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

In the past year, the bird flu virus, called H5N1, has affected dozens of animal species and more than 35 million wild and commercial birds, resulting in soaring egg prices. —Teddy Rosenbluth, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025

The delay could include several reports on bird flu that were set to be released Thursday by the CDC, one official said. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025

This is certainly important in light of the potential threat that bird flu could pose. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

As 1st bird flu death reported in US, what could happen with virus in 2025? Human cases have been diagnosed across the country since April 2024, with 67 confirmed in 10 states so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

bird flu

noun

ˈbərd- 

: 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