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.

An egg producers' association says farmers are "absolutely worried" about the spread of the virus.

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

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

Bird flu headlines include three new human cases, millions of dead birds in poultry flocks and new personnel moves from the Trump administration

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.

A seal at a Massachusetts zoo died this month after contracting bird flu. Blue, the Buttonwood Park Zoo’s beloved 21-year-old harbor seal, died due to complications from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or bird flu , officials at the New Bedford zoo said Wednesday.

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.