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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1972, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Bird flu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%20flu. Accessed 26 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bird flu
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