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.

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.