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.

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.

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.