It is also possible for people to get infected from contact with a sick cat, Troisi said. The situation with the virus is somewhat complicated by the fact that the Trump administration has ordered federal health agencies like the CDC to pause public communications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are monitoring the bird flu situation in the United States. Here's what to know and how to stay safe.

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.