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
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 recent years, bird flu outbreaks have caused significant economic losses across the country. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026 Wisconsin saw its first bird flu detection in a dairy herd in Dodge County in December. Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026 The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department issued a wildlife health alert as avian influenza, or bird flu, continues spreading among wild birds in parts of the Panhandle. Faith Bugenhagen, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026 For example, the slide in egg prices is largely a result of easing impacts from a bird flu outbreak. Alex Harring, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bird flu

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bird flu was in 1972

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Cite this Entry

“Bird flu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%20flu. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Medical 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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