Avian Influenza Threat in Europe Highlights the Role of Effective Biosecurity - EUROPE - Amid fears that wild birds migrating from Russia to Europe could spread the lethal Avian Influenza H5N1 virus westwards, the veterinary authorities in The Netherlands and Germany are taking action to confine thousands of birds indoors to prevent mixing with potentially infected wild birds.

During the devastating Dutch Avian Influenza outbreak of 2003, the Dutch veterinary authority (The RVV) instigated tough biosecurity measures to bring the crisis under control and selected DuPont Animal Health Solutions’ Virkon(R) S as the disinfectant of choice.

DuPont Animal Health Solutions (DAHS), world leaders in veterinary biosecurity, recommend that poultry producers across Europe take precautions now to help prevent further catastrophic outbreaks of Avian Influenza by setting-up effective biosecurity measures.

Poultry producers should ensure that their biosecurity measures are vigilantly enforced and include:

• Effective perimeter control
• Transport biosecurity – wheel dips and sprays
• Foot dips
• Hand washing and protective clothing
• Avoiding stock coming into contact with wild birds

• Thorough cleaning of poultry houses with a heavy duty multipurpose cleanser (DAHS Biosolve(R))

• Most importantly, regular, thorough and effective disinfection of poultry houses – the Avian Influenza virus survives well in water so simple washing with water alone may assist transmission.

DuPont Animal Health Solutions and its local partners around the world are continually working internationally with governments to prepare protocols and guidelines for emergency disease outbreaks, such as Avian Influenza. Emergency Disease Control for Avian Influenza should be based on reliable biosecurity programmes reinforced with a continuous supply of effective cleaners and disinfectants. For example, DAHS(R) Virkon(R) S, the world’s premier veterinary disinfectant, is ready to be made available at short notice to poultry producers internationally.

DAHS(R) Virkon(R) S is recognised by governments worldwide as a disinfectant of choice for Emergency Disease Control and the decision to select DAHS(R) Virkon(R) S as the only disinfectant purchased by the Dutch authorities in 2003 followed expert consultation with the USDA Plum Island and VLA UK (the OIE World Reference Centre for Avian Influenza).

Leading poultry veterinarian, Stephen Lister BVetMed MRCVS, recommends that poultry producers and governments maintain their guard and a high state of preparation with the threat of new outbreaks of Avian Influenza. “A cornerstone of preparation against Avian Influenza must be to maintain a constant state of vigilance against the disease. Control protocols for this highly contagious disease should be based on sound and effective continuous biosecurity appropriately applied. Emergency Disease Control strategies must be a priority for governments and poultry producers internationally.”

To ensure regulatory compliance in your country please read all product labels carefully.

Source: DuPont Animal Health Solutions - 25th August 2005