Massachusetts officials announced Wednesday that bird flu is now considered to be “widespread” in the state and urged the public to avoid handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick.

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."

The circulating bird flu has become “widespread” in Massachusetts, as officials believe the virus has killed 500 to 1,000 wild birds across the region.