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
Over the past few years, a deadly strain of bird flu has disrupted the commercial U.S. egg supply, sending prices soaring — at one point by as much as 49% in a year.
—
Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 30 July 2025
By the late days of 2021, a virus in that killer strain made the leap across the Atlantic Ocean, showing up first in Canada, then the U.S.
And this bird flu strain is a whole new bird flu.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 15 July 2025
While the likelihood of your cat getting bird flu is rare, the recent increase in cats who've contracted the disease has some experts concerned that bird flu may cause the next human pandemic.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 15 July 2025
Immigrant farm workers who get bird flu symptoms are undoubtedly reluctant to seek care amid the growing ICE crackdowns and imprisonment.
—Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for bird flu
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Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 30 July 2025
By the late days of 2021, a virus in that killer strain made the leap across the Atlantic Ocean, showing up first in Canada, then the U.S.
And this bird flu strain is a whole new bird flu.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 15 July 2025
While the likelihood of your cat getting bird flu is rare, the recent increase in cats who've contracted the disease has some experts concerned that bird flu may cause the next human pandemic.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 15 July 2025
Immigrant farm workers who get bird flu symptoms are undoubtedly reluctant to seek care amid the growing ICE crackdowns and imprisonment.
—Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for bird flu
Cite this Entry
“Bird flu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%20flu. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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