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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
Cats may exhibit respiratory symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, and in some cases can go blind as a consequence of bird flu.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
There are now two strains of H5N1 bird flu circulating in California.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024
Last week, the CDC released results of a monthslong investigation that found no evidence of bird flu spreading from human to human.
—Erika Edwards, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024
The federal government has also stockpiled emergency bird flu vaccines.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1972, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near bird flu
Cite this Entry
“Bird flu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%20flu. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
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
More from Merriam-Webster on bird flu
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bird flu
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