Avian Influenza
What is it?
Influenzas are enveloped (negative) single-stranded RNA Viruses of the Orthmyxoviridae Family. There are 4 types of Influenza (A, B, C, D) of which Influenza A is the most common type. Many subtypes have been evolved designated HxNy. All known subtypes of Influenza A viruses can infect birds, except subtypes H17N10 and H18N11, which have only been found in bats. Only two Influenza A virus subtypes go around seasonally within the human population (i.e., H1N1, also called swine flu and H3N2). Some subtypes are found in other infected animal species. For example, H7N7 and H3N8 virus infections can cause illness in horses and dogs.
Why is it important to control Avian Influenza?
Avian Influenza is highly contagious, it can be spread by wild birds who transmit it from one farm to another. Infected birds can shed Avian Influenza viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with the virus as it is shed by infected birds. They also can become infected through contact with surfaces that are contaminated with virus from infected birds. Moreover, some types can easily jump from animals to humans. Swine Flu for example (Influenza H1N1) is a highly contagious virus that originates from birds or swine which can transmit to humans.
Between humans Influenza is transmitted via droplets from coughing or sneezing very easily. This flu usually causes fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, conjunctivitis, and there are even severe cases of respiratory problems and pneumonia.
The control of Avian Influenza is very important to prevent infections. In bird farms integral biosecurity measures considering all possible causes for infection allow for a proper control of the virus. A list of elements that need such control is listed below:
- Hatchery (hatching eggs, trays, trucks)
- Pullets
- Environment (wild birds)
- Feed
- Vehicles and trucks
- Clothing and boots
- Equipment (cages, drinkers)
- Litter
- Housing
- Water
Biosecurity for which Livestock segments?
The target would typically be birds, including poultry and turkey houses but swine farms may get infected as well.
Why using HALAMID® against Avian Influenza?
Halamid® has shown to be one of the most efficacious disinfectants against Avian Influenza, as it is powerful and with significantly higher endurance than peroxygens, phenols and QAC-aldehyde blends. This is proven by government laboratories.
Halamid® is a safe and universal disinfectant and can be applied to eggs, to any surface or object and can be used as water disinfectant. Even the animal skin and feet can be treated without any adverse effects still offering superior killing effect.
Official Tests performed
Important to note that a killing effect on one strain can be extrapolated to any strain from the same virus.
Dr. A. Yilmaz from Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany:
“There is no publication about comparison of the sensitivity of different subtypes of the influenza virus. But we know, the effect of HALAMID is not dependent on antigenic characteristics … Due to the same envelope structure of viruses within a virus family the sensitivity of a member does not differ. … it is not reasonable to claim that H7N1 has a different resistance than other subtypes of influenza virus.” So, there is no need to test against all strains of the family, one would be enough.
Application methods
Below methods can be chosen from to perform the disinfection for a certain application.
Applications refer to: Poultry and turkey houses, layer farms, broilers, hatcheries, swine farms.