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
How to protect your pets from bird flu Amid concerns about the H5N1 avian influenza in Michigan and across the country, experts are warning of risks for not only birds, livestock and humans, but also for pets.
—
Diamy Wang, Detroit Free Press, 22 June 2024
Not only can pathogens end up in milk, but at least three farmworkers reportedly have contracted H5N1, the virus that causes avian influenza, in 2024.
—Juan Silva, Discover Magazine, 21 June 2024
The report is part of a broader debate about risky experiments that was ignited in 2011 by experiments on H5N1 avian influenza that led to special rules for GOF studies.
—science.org, 19 June 2024
On May 23, Mexican health authorities reported the death to the WHO, marking the first human death from the avian influenza A(H5N2) virus, according to a WHO news release.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for avian influenza 
Diamy Wang, Detroit Free Press, 22 June 2024
Not only can pathogens end up in milk, but at least three farmworkers reportedly have contracted H5N1, the virus that causes avian influenza, in 2024.
—Juan Silva, Discover Magazine, 21 June 2024
The report is part of a broader debate about risky experiments that was ignited in 2011 by experiments on H5N1 avian influenza that led to special rules for GOF studies.
—science.org, 19 June 2024
On May 23, Mexican health authorities reported the death to the WHO, marking the first human death from the avian influenza A(H5N2) virus, according to a WHO news release.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 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 4 Jul. 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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