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.
Although there have been no recorded instances of bird flu transmission from cats to humans, the people who were in direct contact with the cats are being monitored and have been offered antiviral prophylaxis. Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 None of the illnesses has been identified as bird flu, the agency said. Sam Tupper, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024 Arizona health officials announced on Dec. 6 that two workers in Pinal County were exposed to bird flu through infected poultry. Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024 Still, the public health agencies are prepared to authorize a vaccine for bird flu if needed, Shah said, adding officials are consistently testing strains against the vaccine candidates. Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 11 Dec. 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 27 Dec. 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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