At the moment, the world is once again weighed down by Avian influenza and the virus has flared up again on a large scale. As Intracare, we regularly receive questions about this highly pathogenic virus that plagues the poultry industry in many regions worldwide. To provide some clarity about the cause, risks, spreading and prevention of the virus within your company, Daisy Roijackers answers the most pressing questions for you. If you have specific questions about Avian Influenza, please contact Daisy. She will tell you all about it.
Because we as Intracare have a leading role in the hygiene market, and get a lot of questions from customers about biosecurity. For avian influenza, these questions can be expected during the fall/winter period. Especially this year, where highly pathogenic avian influenza is causing outbreaks in many countries in Europa and Asia. Customers want to know how to apply Intra Multi-Des GA to battle this infection, and what is the best way is to prevent an outbreak. Based on multiple studies, Intra Multi-Des GA has proven virucidal activity against all veterinary viruses including Avian Influenza. still, our global customers are often asking Intracare for a specific report on Avian Influenza.
This is due to the natural course of migratory birds, who breed in Siberia during the spring / summer and migrate to Europe, Asia and Africa during the fall. Wild water birds are known as the reservoir for avian flu viruses and can shed the virus through saliva, nasal secretions and feces. Domesticated birds can get infected through direct contact with these infected wild birds, contaminated surfaces or other infected poultry. Which is why many countries obligate confinement for all birds when the risk for (highly pathogenic) avian flu is high.
Last year Arjan Stegeman, Professor of Farm Animal Health from Utrecht University, gave a lecture during our online Intra Hygiene inspiration event. In his lecture he elaborated on the global movement of wild birds and how this relates to bird flu. You can watch his lecture with here
Vaccines that are currently available can prevent the disease, do not stop the transmission. This is why in many countries these vaccines are not approved, as they result in a ‘’silent’’ virus. This will complicate the control of an outbreak and will increase the risk for humans. As an effective vaccine is simply not available yet, biosecurity is the number 1 prevention strategy.
Data from the World health Organization (WHO) shows that between 2003 and 2021, globally 863 human cases have been confirmed for H5N1 avian influenza, of which 456 (52%) died. The H5N1 strain is currently spreading across Europa and Asia. Till now, no human-to-human transmission has been observed and the infection risk for the general public is low. But the fact that humans in direct contact with diseased birds can get infected, shows that a ‘’silent’’ virus spread would be a big risk.
Be aware that a disinfectant that can eliminate bacteria is not necessarily strong enough to eliminate viruses. You need to take the correct contact time and dosage into account, in order to eliminate all virus particles during the cleaning and disinfection process of the house. This is for surfaces as well as for the drinking water of importance. Via this link you can read all about our Intra Hygiene approach for avian flu.
So using a hospital-grade disinfectant like Intra Multi-des GA that has proven virucidal efficacy is essential. Avian Influenza is a enveloped virus and the viral envelope is more susceptible to disinfectants. The virucidal activity of Intra Multi-Des GA is so strong, that it can eliminate non-enveloped but also enveloped viruses at a concentration of 0.75%. In a previous newsflash on our website from January 2020, the proven efficacy of Intra Multi-Des GA against Avian Influenza was published.
Besides that, you need to apply a strict biosecurity protocol during the rounds. Boot disinfection is for example very important, as feces of infected wild birds may be laying around outside of the barn and you do not want to bring these inside.
Battling Avian Influenza is a bit more than just using a good disinfectant like Intra Multi-Des GA. In the Whitepaper “Fortify yourself against Avian Influenza” you can see all the essential tools how to protect yourself for an outbreak of this disease.
READ OUR LATEST WHITE PAPER ON AVIAN INFLUENZA ESSENTIAL TOOLS
By Daisy Roijackers - MSc
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