Bird flu cases discovered in Maldon have been identified as a highly pathogenic strain, government officials have confirmed.

All birds on the infected premises near North Fambridge will now be culled, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed in their joint update.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) revealed yesterday (Sunday, 21 November) that the H5N1 virus had been found at a premises near North Fambridge in Maldon.

Temporary control zones covering 3km and 10km were put in place around the affected site while further tests were carried out to determine the pathogenicity of the bird flu strain, which refers to its potential to kill chickens.

After completing the tests, APHA confirmed last night that the strain was highly pathogenic, meaning it is highly contagious and deadly among birds.

The H5N1 virus was also discovered at an animal sanctuary near Frinton-on-Sea last week.

The temporary control zones have now been revoked around the infected site and replaced by a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been in place across Great Britain since 3 November, after several cases of bird flu were discovered in different regions.

More cases have been found since, including in Yorkshire, Cheshire and Cumbria.

The AIPZ means it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks.

Essex County Council has said the risk posed by bird flu to the general public's health is very low.