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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for bird flu 

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bird flu was in 1972

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

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