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
The gradual drop-off in prices is due to a declining number of bird flu cases following a major outbreak in commercial flocks and egg-laying hens last winter.
—
Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Beef has failed to follow recent declines in the price of eggs and chicken following last year's bird flu outbreak, Bank of America's Sara Senatore said in a Wednesday note to clients.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026
Another Antarctic species -- the Southern elephant seal -- is also now at risk of extinction due to bird flu, moving from least concern to vulnerable, according to researchers.
—ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
The preserve and elephant seal viewing areas at Año Nuevo State Park in San Mateo County are set to reopen, following a deadly bird flu outbreak that has infected dozens of marine mammals.
—Tim Fang, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bird flu
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Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Beef has failed to follow recent declines in the price of eggs and chicken following last year's bird flu outbreak, Bank of America's Sara Senatore said in a Wednesday note to clients.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026
Another Antarctic species -- the Southern elephant seal -- is also now at risk of extinction due to bird flu, moving from least concern to vulnerable, according to researchers.
—ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
The preserve and elephant seal viewing areas at Año Nuevo State Park in San Mateo County are set to reopen, following a deadly bird flu outbreak that has infected dozens of marine mammals.
—Tim Fang, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bird flu
Cite this Entry
“Bird flu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%20flu. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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