Evidence suggests that bird flu is widespread in Massachusetts and “likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive,” state officials announced Wednesday.

The leading message coming from Bay State officials this week was that people and pets should stay away from sick or dead wild birds. And if they see any, they should report their observations to MassWildlife.

Several Massachusetts communities are posting warnings or closing public spaces over concerns about bird flu and the recent deaths of several groups of birds.

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.

Massachusetts, United States - A man died Monday in Louisiana after contracting the bird flu virus after being exposed to birds. By December the CDC had identified at least 65 human infections of avian flu in the United States,

State officials suspect the avian flu has killed dozens of wild birds in Boston, Amherst, and Plymouth, and farmers are stepping up precautions.

Bird flu is widespread among birds in Massachusetts, state officials confirm, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines.

Bird flu appears to be widespread in Massachusetts, state health and environmental officials said Wednesday. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) said bird flu -- also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) -- is suspected to be the cause of death in cases of both wild and domestic birds in several Massachusetts municipalities.

The Ulster County Health Department has confirmed a farm within Ulster County has a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as HPAI, H5N1 or Bird Flu. The positive case reportedly killed 48 of the 50 ducks and chickens on the farm;

Although there are no human cases of avian flu in Massachusetts, officials this week advised poultry farmers and people with backyard flocks to keep their birds inside. They suggested people and their pets avoid contact with wildlife,

The nationwide spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, also known as avian or bird flu, has many in Illinois concerned about livestock,