Two cows looking at the camera.

There have been media reports this week about the discovery of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in dairy cattle in the US.

We are monitoring the situation closely but at this time have no reason to suspect the virus is circulating in our cattle, nor is this strain of the virus circulating in Europe. We have had no recent cases of avian influenza in kept birds and the risk level from wild birds is low.

We remain vigilant to any changes in risk and are continuing to use international disease monitoring programmes in the Animal and Plant Health Agency and UK Health Security Agency to monitor the situation.

A Government spokesperson said:

We are monitoring reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) identified in dairy cattle in the USA and are working closely with international counterparts to better understand the virus strain associated with these cases.

These reports do not change the risk level for animals for the UK, which is currently ‘low’ and we have no reason to suspect the virus is circulating in our cattle and nor is this virus strain circulating in Europe.

Food Standards Agency advice remains that avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.

https://deframedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/26/avian-influenza-in-us-cattle/