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 first case of H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed in Australia, meaning the virus has now found its way to every continent.
—
Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2026
On June 20 the strain of highly pathogenic bird flu that has killed wild birds and marine mammals on every other continent was confirmed in Australia for the first time.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Analysis of genetic data suggested the H5 bird flu was likely introduced to the islands through wildlife from the French sub-Antarctic Crozet Islands, 1,800 km away, likely arriving around August 2025.
—Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Could baby owls and eagles be the key to stopping the spread of bird flu?
—John Lauritsen, CBS News, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bird flu
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Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2026
On June 20 the strain of highly pathogenic bird flu that has killed wild birds and marine mammals on every other continent was confirmed in Australia for the first time.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Analysis of genetic data suggested the H5 bird flu was likely introduced to the islands through wildlife from the French sub-Antarctic Crozet Islands, 1,800 km away, likely arriving around August 2025.
—Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Could baby owls and eagles be the key to stopping the spread of bird flu?
—John Lauritsen, CBS News, 11 June 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 24 Jun. 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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