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

This variant of bird flu, a highly pathogenic avian influenza also known as HPAI and H5N1, has been spreading across the country. —Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025

Since highly pathogenic avian influenza surfaced in the United States in January 2022, the virus has been detected in wild birds and domestic poultry, according to the Fresno Bee’s previous reporting. —Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 7 Jan. 2025

Despite the risk to humans remaining low, HHS has pledged $306 million to its response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, also known as H5N1 bird flu. —Jess Thomson, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025

Will milk prices rise? Oct. 10, 2024 Persistent and significant outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza have decimated California’s poultry flocks and as a result hurt the egg supply chain, according the USDA’s most recent egg report. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025

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