As the bird flu continues to spread in the U.S., Massachusetts farmers must protect their flocks. But due to the recent rise in the disease, growing and raising their own food on property is a tradition that may have to be put on hold.

The circulating bird flu has become “widespread” in the Bay State, as officials believe the virus has killed 500 to 1,000 wild birds across the region. And the total number of dead birds is likely “much higher than that,