More bird flu cases found near Heybridge and Witham

Avian Influenza, which is also known as bird flu, has been detected across Essex in recent months, and has now been found near Heybridge and Witham.

These are the latest in a line of cases discovered across the county.

In early September, a case was confirmed just outside Tolleshunt Major, Maldon, which was the third outbreak in Essex in the last year.

A couple of weeks later, a case was confirmed near Clacton.

A warning was also issued after the virus was discovered at a property in Stoke-by-Nayland, a village near Colchester.

A farm shop in Coggeshall said last week it had to cull all birds on site after birds caught the flu.

A spokesman said it was a “massive blow as poultry is the backbone and root of the business”.

No cases have been confirmed in humans as of yet.

Further cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was confirmed in poultry and captive birds on October 8 at a second premises near Heybridge and on and October 9 at a third premises near Heybridge as well as a premises near Witham.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone were declared around each premises and all birds on the premises will be humanely culled.

Zones are in place across Essex which cover large areas of Braintree, Maldon and Halstead.

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.”

The Gov.uk website has said all bird keepers should remain vigilant and follow stringent biosecurity measures to prevent future outbreaks.

More information is available at gov.uk/bird-flu.

Residents can also check if specific areas are in a zone by using the following interactive map at bit.ly/3MoTK1z.