Written question WQ96172

We are aware of the case of influenza of avian origin in a single lactating ewe in March 2025 on a smallholding in Yorkshire. Avian influenza had recently been confirmed in the small poultry flock that was also resident. All affected birds and the infected ewe were humanely culled. Further official testing of the remaining flock of sheep at the premises, including the lambs of the affected ewe, were negative for the presence of avian influenza virus.

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales and Officials actively monitor and manage this, and other animal-associated emerging risks, in collaboration with colleagues and partners in other Administrations and agencies.

The Welsh Government is part of the Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance (HAIRS) group that carried out a risk assessment following the confirmation of this novel incident, which concluded that the risk to livestock has not changed, and is low.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have concluded that the probability of infection with influenza of avian origin from lactating livestock is considered very low for the general population. For individuals interacting with infected lactating livestock the probability would be considered low.