avian influenza

:  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), 23 Mar. 2006 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, 14 Mar. 2004—called also fowl pest, fowl plague; see bird flu