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New Bird Flu Mutations in Mammals Increase Pandemic Risk

May 19, 2025 by Lochlan DuVal

Bird flu is becoming more common in mammals.
Image courtesy of Engin Akyurt.

The bird flu virus is mutating quickly and spreading more among mammals. Officials reported the first known case of bird flu in a sheep. This is the first time bird flu has been found in that species.

New research shows the virus is changing faster than before. These changes make current antibodies less effective against infection. As a result, bird flu now poses a greater threat to animals. Experts say the risk to humans is also rising with each mutation.

What Risk is Posed by New Bird Flu Infections in Mammals?

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has now spread across multiple continents. It is infecting more mammals and hundreds of people around the world. Most mammal cases have appeared in the Americas and parts of Europe.

In March 2025, the U.K. confirmed bird flu in a sheep. The infected sheep lives on a farm in northern England. Researchers say this first-ever sheep case raises new safety concerns.

Sheep and cows are common farm animals with close human contact. Infections in these species increase the chance of animal-to-human spread.

Pigs pose an even greater risk of passing the virus to people. They can mix flu genes, creating new and dangerous virus strains. This process is called genetic reassortment and could mutate bird flu.

Each mutation increases the chance of human-to-human bird flu spread. Such a shift could spark a future bird flu pandemic.

How Did Officials Respond to the New Bird Flu Case in Sheep?

The infected sheep lived near birds who had bird flu. The British government confirmed the virus appeared within a single year. Officials said they humanely culled all birds infected with the virus. Other sheep on the farm, including lambs, tested negative for bird flu.

Christine Middlemiss, Britain’s top veterinarian officer, urged caution and strong biosecurity. She asked animal owners to stay clean and report any illness.

In January, one person in England caught bird flu on a farm. That person had contact with infected birds in the West Midlands.

Bill Stocker leads the National Sheep Association in the United Kingdom. He said the sheep case does not affect food safety for people. But it raises concern about farming birds and other animals together. That mix, he warned, can help bird flu spread more easily.

Though mammal cases are rising, officials say human risk remains low.

What New Research Raises Bird Flu Mutation Concerns?

Scientists warn that bird flu is now mutating more quickly than before. Existing antibodies are struggling to fight off the virus’s new strains. This growing resistance makes the virus more dangerous to animals and people.

A new study published in a Lancet journal used computers to model virus-antibody interactions over time. Researchers examined 1,804 protein structures from H5 isolates between 1959 and 2024. They tested these against 11 bird flu antibodies used in treatment.

AI folding tools and physics models tested how the virus responds. Each test measured how well antibodies could still fight the virus. The findings show bird flu is evolving to escape immune detection. Over time, antibodies lose strength against newer bird flu versions.

The study also explored how the virus is spreading geographically. It found no single species or region driving the current outbreak. Bird flu is now jumping to mammals across many global regions. This wide spread increases the virus’s ability to reach more hosts.

Researchers say the virus may soon shift from epidemic to pandemic. These rapid changes raise the need for updated vaccine development.

Lead author Dr. Colby T. Ford of UNC Charlotte explained more. He said older vaccine strains may no longer provide full protection. The virus’s many animal hosts also raise spillover risks to people.

Conclusion

Bird flu is spreading fast, mutating quickly, and infecting more mammals. Experts warn that older vaccines and antibodies may soon lose effectiveness. The virus’s rapid changes increase the chance of a future pandemic.

Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe from disease, including vaccines. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.

Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.

Filed Under: General Posts

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