PRECAUTIONARY measures are being put in place after an outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed at a premise in North Fambridge.

Essex County Council has confirmed the isolated outbreak is in birds and there are no cases in people.

This is the second outbreak of Avian Influenza in Essex in the past two weeks but the county council says there is no evidence to suggest the two are linked.

The response is being led by Essex County Council, Maldon District Council, Chelmsford City Council, Rochford District Council and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Health officials have visited the site and taken actions including testing and cleansing.

Avian Influenza is a disease which mainly affects birds but on rare occasions it can affect mammals including humans.

Due to this a number of precautionary measures are being put in place.

Read more: New bird flu outbreak confirmed in Maldon

Officers will be visiting 965 houses and commercial properties within a 3km zone detailing actions which need to be undertaken and who to contact in the event of a suspected case.

Residents are required to notify Essex County Council of any poultry on their premises and to avoid moving poultry in and out of the 3km zone.

Road signs will be put up on roads entering or leaving the 3km zone.

Anyone who is concerned should call NHS 111 or speak to their GP.

People in direct contact with the affected birds have been contacted and offered appropriate preventative treatment.

John Spence, the county council’s cabinet member for adults and health, said: “It is important to reassure people that the risk of anyone becoming infected as a result of an outbreak like this is extremely low.

“Nevertheless, it is important that we put the correct precautions in place and working with Defra, Maldon District Council, Rochford District Council and Chelmsford City Council this is what we have done.

"We will be visiting premises around the site of the outbreak, and offering information and advice, over the coming days.”

Pet owners with other animals don't usually need to take other action.

If a person has concerns regarding their pet they should contact their private vet.

Richard Siddall, Maldon District Council’s leader designate, said: “As the local council, we are ready to help our colleagues at Defra, the Animal and Plant Health Agency and Essex County Council in any way we can, and particularly with activity to make local people aware of this outbreak.

“The important thing is for people to react sensibly, understand there is minimal risk to human health, and if you keep birds then to follow the measures set out by the authorities.”

The Food Standards Agency has said on the basis of scientific evidence Avian Influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.

Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

Dr David Edwards, Public Health England’s Regional Deputy Director (Acting), UK Health Security Agency East, said: “Avian Influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.

"We are working closely with Defra to monitor the situation and have provided the necessary health advice to anyone on site as a precaution.

“We know the importance of washing hands when it comes to COVID and the same applies here – try not to touch any sick or dead birds and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap after contact with any animal.”