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

Bird flu viruses are divided into two categories: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024

The two worked on different dairy farms in California’s Central Valley and both farms had cattle known to be positive for H5N1 avian influenza. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 4 Oct. 2024

Three manufacturers were awarded $72 million to increase pandemic preparedness including against avian influenza, officials announced in a Friday morning briefing. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2024

But, unlike past avian influenza outbreaks in wild bird populations, the current strain of H5N1 spreading—clade 2.3.4.4b—has proven unusually adept at spilling over to various mammals. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 3 Sep. 2024

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