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 National Turkey Federation estimated last year that up to 80% of turkey flocks were infected with AMPV, which complicates the situation with the surge in bird flu.
—
Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
The bird flu affected some turkey flocks earlier, leaving the inventory lower this year than last.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Province struggling with bird flu An expert in avian virology told CNN that the Canadian government’s order to cull the entire flock is in line with standard avian flu mitigation efforts.
—Max Saltman, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
One small study from last year found evidence of a past bird flu infection in 7% of dairy workers in Michigan and Colorado.
—NPR, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bird flu
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Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
The bird flu affected some turkey flocks earlier, leaving the inventory lower this year than last.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Province struggling with bird flu An expert in avian virology told CNN that the Canadian government’s order to cull the entire flock is in line with standard avian flu mitigation efforts.
—Max Saltman, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
One small study from last year found evidence of a past bird flu infection in 7% of dairy workers in Michigan and Colorado.
—NPR, 6 Nov. 2025
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 10 Nov. 2025.
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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