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

Egg prices, initially high in early 2025 due to avian influenza, have steadily declined. —Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 28 Aug. 2025

Getty Images When a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus jumped into American dairy cows in the spring of 2024, scientists worried about the next step: spillover into humans. —John Drake, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Report also details breakfast trends and the rising price of omelets because avian influenza is affecting egg supply. —Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Aug. 2025

Bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is caused by a virus that can result in serious illness and death in birds and mammals. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 5 Aug. 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