avian influenza

[ ey-vee-uhn in-floo-en-zuh ]

noun

, Pathology

1. a form of influenza that afflicts poultry and other birds, and that is transmissible to humans:

   An earlier outbreak of avian influenza had been reported in the Northeast last month.

Word History and Origins

Origin of avian influenza¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

A July 22 email suggests that people might have infected their domestic cats with the bird flu, also called HPAI, for “highly pathogenic avian influenza,” but epidemiologists couldn’t determine how it happened because the animals’ owners had not been tested.

From Salon

A July 29 email reflects the absence of information when some farm owners don’t wish to correspond with public health departments about potential cases of bird flu, also called HPAI, for “highly pathogenic avian influenza.”

From Salon

This could have the transmissibility of a seasonal human virus with the severity of an avian influenza virus.

From Salon

A current strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has become a global problem.

From Salon

In late August, cows at three dairy farms in the Central Valley displayed symptoms for highly pathogenic avian influenza and later tested positive, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

From Salon