bird flu

noun

: avian influenza
specifically : severe often fatal influenza A caused by strains of a subtype (H5N1) of the causative orthomyxovirus (Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae) that have produced epidemics in domestic birds especially in Asia with sporadic associated human infections

Examples of bird flu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Two birds were taken to a state laboratory for testing, and the health department said preliminary results indicate the birds died from highly pathogenic avian influenza, known as bird flu. Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025 In the first quarter of the year egg prices were largely influenced by a breakout of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, causing prices to stay high. Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Dec. 2025 Clermont County Public Health said two birds delivered to a state laboratory tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), H5, known as the bird flu, according to a news release. David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Dec. 2025 Work at the facility includes projects on highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu), white-nose syndrome in bats, and chronic wasting disease in deer and elk. Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bird flu

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bird flu was in 1972

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Cite this Entry

“Bird flu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%20flu. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

Medical Definition

bird flu

noun
: avian influenza
specifically : severe often fatal influenza A caused by strains of a subtype (H5N1) of the causative orthomyxovirus (Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae) that have produced epidemics in domestic birds especially in Asia with sporadic associated human infections

More from Merriam-Webster on bird flu

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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