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
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
The chain may fall short of its promise to consumers to switch to 100% cage-free eggs by the end of 2026 — citing ongoing industry challenges and the impact of bird flu, according to its website.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026
In contrast, egg prices have dropped sharply following a period of unprecedented highs caused largely by bird flu outbreaks.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bird flu
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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
The chain may fall short of its promise to consumers to switch to 100% cage-free eggs by the end of 2026 — citing ongoing industry challenges and the impact of bird flu, according to its website.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026
In contrast, egg prices have dropped sharply following a period of unprecedented highs caused largely by bird flu outbreaks.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 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 15 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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