All poultry on a farm in Heybridge is set to be culled, after a case of Avian Flu was reported there yesterday (September 6).

'Highly pathogenic avian influenza' (HPAI) H5N1, which was found near Maldon, does not infect people easily and is not usually spread from human to human. However, the NHS says several people have been infected around the world, leading to a number of deaths.

Otherwise known as 'bird flu', the disease is spread by close contact with an infected bird, either dead or alive.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Maldon District Council said: "A 3-kilometre Protection Zone and a 10-kilometre Surveillance Zone has been declared around the premises.

"All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled."

Bird flu cannot be caught through eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas with an outbreak of bird flu.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will work with the district council in the affected areas and will collaborate to inform residents.

Maldon District Council's statement continued: "If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds, you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

"Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find."

Members of the public are urged to call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) if they find:

• One or more dead bird of prey or owl
• Three or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese, and ducks)
• Five or more dead birds of any species

The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against bird flu.

The government warned people in the area who keep birds to be vigilant for signs of the disease, saying: "All bird keepers (whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) must keep a close watch on them for signs of disease and maintain good biosecurity at all times.

"If you have any concerns about the health of your birds, seek prompt advice from your vet."

Read the full guidance regarding Avian Flu on the government's website. For further information, visit the NHS website.