avian influenza

noun

: highly variable influenza A of birds caused by any of the subtypes of the causative orthomyxovirus of which some strains have been or may be transmitted to other vertebrates including humans especially after undergoing mutation

called also avian flu

compare bird flu

Examples of avian influenza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From avian influenza to Zika virus, more than 200 modern diseases are classified as zoonoses—those that can spread to humans via other animals. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025

Between January and June of 2022, 136 dead eagles were confirmed to have avian influenza across 24 states. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 15 July 2025

However, since 2023, their populations have declined steadily, and many researchers believe avian influenza — bird flu — is largely to blame, Glucs said. —Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 24 May 2025

In February, there were approximately 12.6 million birds affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. —Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for avian influenza

• parainfluenza
• cadenza

Medical Definition

avian influenza

noun

variants or avian flu

: influenza of birds that is caused by any of several subtypes (such as H5N2 or H7N7) of an orthomyxovirus (species Influenza A virus of the genus Influenzavirus A) of which some strains have been transmitted to other vertebrates including humans especially after undergoing mutation

Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry (e.g., domesticated chicken, ducks, and turkeys) or surfaces contaminated with secretion/excretions from infected birds.

—The Tennessee Tribune (Nashville)

And as you read this, millions of birds are being eliminated in Asia and elsewhere in an effort to contain avian flu.

—Barry Gewen, The New York Times Book Review

called also fowl pest, fowl plague

see bird flu