Officials said risk to humans remains low, but the state's public health veterinarian said pet cats are "very susceptible" to the bird flu and can become "seriously ill."

Health officials urged people to identify avian flu symptoms early and properly cook chicken and eggs to limit risk of infections.

The number of bird flu cases in Central Massachusetts is relatively low, compared to a swath of the state that runs from Greater Boston to Southeastern Massachusetts. That message was delivered Wednesday during a virtual update from state health officials on the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus.

State officials are working with partners to test suspected cases and collaborating with municipalities to safely dispose of dead birds." The post Bird flu now considered ‘widespread’ in Mass., officials say appeared first on Boston.

Scientists say the temporary freeze on communications from federal officials creates a troubling blind spot for those tracking the virus.

As the bird flu continues to spread in the U.S., Massachusetts farmers must protect their flocks. But due to the recent rise in the disease, growing and raising their own food on property is a tradition that may have to be put on hold.

The circulating bird flu has become “widespread” in the Bay State, as officials believe the virus has killed 500 to 1,000 wild birds across the region. And the total number of dead birds is likely “much higher than that,