SPECIAL measures have been put in place after a case of bird flu was found at a premises in Maldon.
A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
The case was found yesterday, Tuesday September 6, in commercial poultry at a premises near Heybridge.
As a result, a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises, and all poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.
These measures apply from 7pm on September 6 until the declaration is withdrawn or amended by further declaration.
There were two outbreaks of Aviation Influenza in Essex at the end of last year in Frinton and North Fambridge.
A spokesman said: “When avian influenza is confirmed or suspected in poultry or other captive birds, disease control zones are put in place around the infected premises to prevent the spread of the disease.
“Within these zones a range of restrictions on the movement of poultry and material associated with their keeping can apply.”
Avian influenza circulates naturally in wild birds who migrate to the UK over the winter, where the disease can spread to poultry.
For more information on latest cases and exclusion zones, visit the guidance page on Avian influenza on the gov.uk website.
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