State officials are warning the public to avoid handling birds and other wildlife as suspected avian flu cases are now “widespread” in Massachusetts.

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."

Six dead swans have been found in Worcester in a case of suspected bird flu. Worcester City Council said on Tuesday evening the birds had been found along a stretch of the River Severn between the cathedral and the railway viaduct. It added that some parts of the riverside path had been closed to help reduce the spread.

Learn about the new H5N9 bird flu strain in the US, its impact on food safety and prices, plus expert advice on protecting yourself from avian influenza.

Are you a cat owner? Mass. officials say you should be aware of the current bird flu outbreak, and here's why.

State environmental and health officials said Wednesday that bird flu is suspected to be the cause of death in cases of both wild and domestic birds in several Massachusetts communities. As a result of these cases,