There have not been any cases among commercial flocks in Massachusetts, said Agricultural Commissioner Ashley Randle.

State officials say the highly pathogenic avian influenza – more commonly known as bird flu – is widespread in much of the state.

Researchers have stressed that bird flu still poses a minimal risk to the general public, though that may change as the virus continues to circulate and potentially mutate. But the many empty shelves in stores and higher prices on the eggs that people can find have raised concerns among consumers about the safety of the egg supply.

Maryland has announced the first presumptive positive case of H5 avian influenza in a commercial broiler farm in Worcester County. All to know.