avian influenza

noun

: highly variable influenza A of birds caused by any of the subtypes of the causative orthomyxovirus of which some strains have been or may be transmitted to other vertebrates including humans especially after undergoing mutation

called also avian flu

compare bird flu

Examples of avian influenza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The previous four flu pandemics had their origins in avian influenza. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2024

Maricopa County Department of Public Health officials transported the sick animals to the Arizona Department of Agriculture for testing which later indicated they were likely exposed to avian influenza. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024

Snow geese in Kentucky are among flocks of birds across the nation affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza. —Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 18 Dec. 2024

In the United States this year, 61 human cases of avian influenza have been reported. —Evan Bush, NBC News, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

avian influenza

noun

variants or avian flu

: influenza of birds that is caused by any of several subtypes (such as H5N2 or H7N7) of an orthomyxovirus (species Influenza A virus of the genus Influenzavirus A) of which some strains have been transmitted to other vertebrates including humans especially after undergoing mutation

Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry (e.g., domesticated chicken, ducks, and turkeys) or surfaces contaminated with secretion/excretions from infected birds.

—The Tennessee Tribune (Nashville)

And as you read this, millions of birds are being eliminated in Asia and elsewhere in an effort to contain avian flu.

—Barry Gewen, The New York Times Book Review

called also fowl pest, fowl plague

see bird flu