bird flu
noun
: avian influenza
specifically
: severe often fatal influenza A caused by strains of a subtype (H5N1) of the causative orthomyxovirus (Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae) 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
Food production methods have made bird flu more of a risk.
—
Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026
Symptoms of bird flu can include fever, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, shortness of breath, stuffy or runny nose, eye redness, headaches and pneumonia requiring hospitalization, according to the CDC.
—Michelle Tauber, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
Additionally, take down your bird feeders if there are reports of bird flu in your area.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2025
Despite bird flu having deadly effects on water fowl and poultry, there has been one population in Missouri seemingly unaffected by the virus, Hudman said.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 Dec. 2025
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Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026
Symptoms of bird flu can include fever, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, shortness of breath, stuffy or runny nose, eye redness, headaches and pneumonia requiring hospitalization, according to the CDC.
—Michelle Tauber, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
Additionally, take down your bird feeders if there are reports of bird flu in your area.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2025
Despite bird flu having deadly effects on water fowl and poultry, there has been one population in Missouri seemingly unaffected by the virus, Hudman said.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 Dec. 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 6 Jan. 2026.
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 (Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae) that have produced epidemics in domestic birds especially in Asia with sporadic associated human infections
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