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 fluExamples of avian influenza in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The recent spread of H5N1 avian influenza among U.S. dairy cows highlights the urgency of this need.
—
Patrick Skerrett, STAT, 18 May 2024
The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has been found in 36 herds in nine states, and detected in samples of commercially sold, pasteurized milk.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for avian influenza 
Patrick Skerrett, STAT, 18 May 2024
The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has been found in 36 herds in nine states, and detected in samples of commercially sold, pasteurized milk.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for avian influenza
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Cite this Entry
“Avian influenza.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avian%20influenza. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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)
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
Barry Gewen, The New York Times Book Reviewcalled also fowl pest, fowl plague
see bird fluLove words? Need even more definitions?
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