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.

If a case of bird flu is reported within 50 miles of a D-FW zoo, Burgdorf-Moisuk and Rainwater said, zookeeping staff will move certain birds that can be housed indoors as well as close down exhibits and aviaries that may be at risk.

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.