A three-kilometre controlled zone has been put in place to monitor an outbreak of bird flu in Essex.
The government's Animal and Plant Health Agency issued an urgent warning following an outbreak of bird flu near Castle Hedingham.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in a small backyard flock of poultry near the village.
A three-kilometre (one-point-eight miles) Captive Bird Monitoring Control Zone has been put in place around Castle Hedingham which includes Sible Hedingham, Great Maplestead, and Rushley Green.
An Essex Trading Standards spokesperson said: “If you’re in the three-kilometre control zone, you must keep poultry and other captive birds housed and keep a record of all poultry or poultry eggs that enter or leave your premises, except eggs that are being moved direct to wholesale or retail premises to be sold.
“An AIPZ with mandatory housing measures is now in force across England to protect poultry and captive birds.
“This applies to keepers of over 50 birds and all keepers who sell or give away eggs or poultry products, even if they keep fewer than 50 birds.
“All bird keepers must follow stringent biosecurity measures and comply with any housing measures, protection, and surveillance zone restrictions in their area to prevent future outbreaks.”
The government has issued a detailed guide for bird owners on how to protect their animals and prevent the spread of the disease.
The bird flu disease zone map shows this is the only control zone in Essex, while there are several 10km control zones in Suffolk and Norfolk, including over Ipswich.
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