People who keep birds and poultry are being asked to keep their birds indoors to limit the spread of bird flu.

The new measures, which come into force on Monday 14th December, mean that it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures.

The new rules apply to anyone keeping birds, whether it's a few hens in a back garden, rearing game birds or a large commercial farm.

The restrictions follow a number of cases of avian flu in the country and the introduction of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) in November.

Staffordshire County Council's Trading Standards Animal Health team is reminding people to remain alert for any signs of the disease and to report suspected cases immediately.

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards Animal Health service at Staffordshire County Council said: "At this time of year, when birds are migrating, we usually see an increase in the risk of avian flu. Unfortunately, in recent weeks there have been a number of confirmed cases of the disease in parts of the UK and this is why the additional restrictions have been introduced.

"It's vital that people follow the official advice including the latest measure about keeping their birds indoors."

Wild birds migrating from mainland Europe during the winter period can spread Avian influenza to poultry and other captive birds.

However, the county council says the risk to public health from the virus remains very low and the Food Standards Agency advises that the disease poses a very low food safety risk.