ANYONE who keeps poultry or other captive birds must house them indoors.

Conwy Borough County Council and Denbighshire County Council have reiterated advice issued following cases of avian flu in wild birds in Wales.

This requirement to house birds indoors applies to birds kept as pets as well as those for commercial use.

People also must keep a close watch on birds and remain vigilant for any signs of disease.

A spokesperson from Conwy Council said: "Following incidents of avian flu in wild birds in Wales anyone who keeps poultry or other captive birds must house them indoors from Monday, December 14 and keep a close watch on them for any signs of disease.

"Housing birds indoors will not reduce the risk of disease if it is not combined with the most stringent biosecurity practices.

"As such, all keepers are advised to conduct a self-assessment of their biosecurity measures.

"This will provide keepers with the evidence needed to ensure they have done all they can to meet the Prevention Zone requirements."

In November, Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said an All Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) would be implemented in response to the increasing risk of avian influenza to the poultry industry in Wales.

She added: "I made a commitment to keep this under review. As we are all aware, disease situations develop and change frequently, and it is essential we monitor the situation and ensure our disease response continues to be appropriate."

For biosecurity measures click here.

For details of how to report suspicion of disease see www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu

Read the full statement from the Welsh Government here: gov.wales/written-statement-all-wales-avian-influenza-prevention-zone-mandatory-housing

Bird keepers with concerns should contact there vet for advice.