Extra bird flu measures come into force

The restrictions mean poultry and captive birds have to be kept indoors

Measures to prevent the spread of bird flu have come into force in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The order, which applies to all bird keepers, including those who have pets or commercial flocks, requires poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors.

It is in addition to strict biosecurity rules already in place across the country.

The UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, said the risk should decrease as migratory birds leave the UK and the virus was expected to survive less well as the weather improved.

The government said the extension of the housing measures to the two counties was in response to increased findings of avian influenza cases across England and "heightened risk levels".

The order also covers Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire and came into force at midnight on Sunday.

The risk to humans remains low, with chicken and eggs safe to eat if properly cooked, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

But Ms Middlemiss urged people to keep their pets away from sick or dead birds, because the infection could be passed on to other animals.