Local public health officials suspect highly pathogenic avian influenza in recent wild and domestic bird deaths.

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.

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

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.

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.

Bird flu is now believed to be widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive, state environmental and health officials said Wednesday.

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