By most indications, the avian influenza outbreak that has washed over U.S. farms is at an ebb. Experts don’t seem hopeful, however, that the problem has taken care of itself.

The world's first case of bird flu in sheep has been found in the UK, the nation's chief veterinary officer has confirmed. The exact location of the farm has not been revealed, but a government spokesperson said the case was identified on a site in Yorkshire where bird flu had been confirmed in captive birds.

Stray feathers litter the ground inside the empty coop at Kakadoodle Farm. A few beige eggshells crunch underfoot. No hens were left alive.