OWNERS of poultry or captive birds in Cowbridge and the surrounding areas must house them indoors from Monday 14 December following incidents of Avian flu in Wales.

Bird-owners must also closely watch for any signs of disease.

These measures are to prevent any further spreading of Avian flu and are in line with the All Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, introduced in November.

The requirement applies to birds kept as pets as well as for commercial use.

In addition to housing birds indoors, owners should undertake stringent biosecurity measures and conduct a self-assessment of their current biosecurity practises. Advice on how to do so can be found here .

If you have any concerns about your bird, you should contact your vet.

According to Public Health advice, risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products including eggs.

A joint statement from Great Britain's three Chief Veterinary Officers said: "We have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease and are now planning to introduce a legal requirement for all poultry and captive bird keepers to keep their birds housed or otherwise separate from wild birds.

"Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from 14 December onwards you will be legally required to keep your birds indoors, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds.

"We have not taken this decision lightly, but it is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease."