bird flu

noun

: avian influenza

specifically : severe often fatal influenza A caused by strains of a subtype (H5N1) of the causative orthomyxovirus 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

However, bird flu can also cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing, seizures, pneumonia and death. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

Also, last week, the first case of severe bird flu was confirmed in a human patient in Louisiana, according to the CDC. —Greg Wehner, Fox News, 24 Dec. 2024

Until now, officials had listed the case involving a Barron County farmworker as presumptive for the highly contagious virus, also known as bird flu. —Rick Barrett, Journal Sentinel, 22 Dec. 2024

Los Angeles County health officials confirmed Wednesday the deaths of two cats from bird flu infections after drinking recalled raw milk. —arkansasonline.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

bird flu

noun

ˈbərd- 

: avian influenza

specifically : severe often fatal influenza A caused by strains of a subtype (H5N1) of the causative orthomyxovirus that have produced epidemics in domestic birds especially in Asia with sporadic associated human infections