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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the first two months of 2025, tens of million of birds were affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza across 39 states, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data. Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, 19 July 2025 Egg and chicken prices have been on the rise for several years following the nationwide avian influenza outbreak that killed off millions of birds. Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 17 July 2025 In the first two months of 2025, 12.6 to 23.2 million birds were affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025 What is bird flu? Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a highly pathogenic virus. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for avian influenza

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of avian influenza was in 1965

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Cite this Entry

“Avian influenza.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avian%20influenza. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on avian influenza

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