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

Test results from two pelican carcasses were negative for highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, officials said in an April 24 release. —Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2025

As well as eying off a clinical trial for this novel gum, the researchers are now looking at tackling avian influenza, the H5N1 virus. —New Atlas, 16 Apr. 2025

Meanwhile, there is no clear plan to deal with H5N1 avian influenza, which has been spreading among other animals and could at some point become a real threat to humans. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

The spread of avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has ravaged flocks around the world, disrupting supply and fueling higher food prices. —Sybille De La Hamaide, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for avian influenza

• parainfluenza
• cadenza

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