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Bird flu outbreak discovered at animal sanctuary near Frinton-on-Sea

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Avian flu is highly infectious in birds

An outbreak of bird flu has been discovered at an animal sanctuary in Essex, government officials confirmed.

The H5N1 virus - which is highly contagious and can decimate poultry flocks - was found at a property near Frinton-on-Sea.

Temporary control zones covering 3km (1.8 miles) and 10km (6.2 miles) are in place around the affected site.

Avian flu is spread by close contact with an infected bird, whether it is dead or alive.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said: "All birds on the premises will be humanely culled to limit risk of onward transmission."

Richard Knights/BBC Essex bird fluRichard Knights/BBC
The outbreak was discovered at a farm in Essex on Thursday

No further details of the animal sanctuary have been released.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been in place across Great Britain since 3 November, after the discovery of a strain of avian flu in a small poultry unit in Warwickshire.

The AIPZ means bird keepers need to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks.

Bird flu has also been confirmed at a wild bird rescue centre in Worcestershire.

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