The threat of the devastating Avian Influenza virus remains high. Outbreaks of the bird flu in poultry farms have been increasing worldwide. Recent testing by an accredited laboratory has demonstrated that Intra Hydrocare is also effective in elimination of the Influenza virus in drinking water.

Over the last few months the devastating effects of bird flu, caused by the Avian Influenza (AI) virus, were once again felt across the entire poultry farming sector. Once the infection is confirmed to be present in a farm, it is necessary to cull the infected and exposed animals to effectively control the virus spread. Thereafter, it is of utmost importance to ensure the effective cleaning and disinfection of the premises to eliminate the virus from the farm.

Contaminated water has been implicated in the introduction of highly pathogenic animal diseases such as AI.

Recent research published January 2021 on the transmission of the AI virus by the University of Wageningen (The Netherlands) has demonstrated that the Avian Influenza virus is easily transmissible via waterA. This is in line with findings of Leung, et al (2007)B that samples of drinking water collected from poultry units provide higher rates of the influenza virus than fecal droppings. Poultry drinking water may sometimes be overlooked, but can play a large role in the spread of the disease.

Intra Hydrocare is a biocidal product, mainly used for cleaning and disinfection of water distribution systems in farms. A current study at an external accredited laboratory has demonstrated that Intra Hydrocare is highly effective in the elimination of the AI virus. Results showed a 3% product dilution was already effective with a contact time of only 30 minutes in this laboratory test under worst-case conditions.

In farms however, applying a longer contact time is sometimes more practical (e.g. during cleaning of the water lines overnight between the cycles). Since biocidal efficacy is dependent on product concentration and contact time, a lower product dilution can be used if the contact time is prolonged. Contact Intracare for tailored advice.

In conclusion, the use of Intra Hydrocare can ensure that water, as an essential nutrient, can be maintained free from any microbiological contamination and can prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as Avian Influenza.

Literature sources:

A. Wageningen University, 2021. WBVR research provides insight into the course of bird flu infections. January 8, 2021.

B. Y.H.C. Leung, et al, 2007. Poultry drinking water used for avian influenza surveillance. Emerg Infect Dis. 2007 Sept;13(9):1380-2.

The study was based on EN 14675, a European test standard for viruses that is accepted worldwide, and included worst-case test conditions (e.g. a 10 °C test temperature and the addition of soiling that interferes with the product).