EMERGENCY control zones have been put in place after the Government confirmed cases of bird flu in Maldon.

Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds at a premises near North Fambridge.

Both 3km and 10km temporary control zones have been put in place surrounding the affected location.

A spokesman for the government 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.”

"Some of those measures include restrictions on the movement of any poultry, eggs, or carcases."

The confirmed cases in Maldon come just weeks after avian influenza H5N1 was reported in birds at an animal sanctuary in Kirby Cross.

READ MORE: New outbreak of bird flu confirmed in Essex, government says