The Highly Pathogenic avian influenza virus is a highly contagious disease that spreads among birds and other animals.

Over the last 30 days, 151 flocks have been confirmed to have avian flu, affecting more than 23 million birds, according to the Animal Planet Health Inspection Service part of the USDA. Dr. Paul Offit, of the FDA Vaccine Advisory Committee, says people could also become sick.

FALMOUTH, Maine — Many Mainers love their feathered friends, often welcoming wild birds to their backyards with birdseed and bird baths. But with avian flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), cases on the rise, some are wondering if feeding birds is safe.

A protection zone and enhanced biosecurity measures are now in force around the premises.

A dead bird found in Hays County has tested positive for bird flu, according to the county's health department.

Buttonwood Park Zoo officials have confirmed that Blue, a 21-year-old harbor seal, died this month due to complications from the avian flu, or bird flu. Zoo officials say it's the second case of a death from avian flu at the zoo. A swan goose died at the zoo on Jan. 27.

The Buttonwood Park Zoo said in a social media post that the "beloved" seal named Blue likely got the avian flu by coming into contact with an infected wild bird. "Avian flu conti