Independent tests carried out by the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Peoples Republic of China, have proved that DuPont™ Virkon® S completely inactivates the H5N1 virus at dilutions of 1:800 & 1:1000 following a ten minute exposure time under laboratory test conditions. In the face of challenging farm conditions, such as heavy organic challenge, short contact time, possible dilution by rain water, low temperatures and the broad range of disease causing organisms that can exist on farms, DuPont™ Virkon® S is recommended for use at a dilution of 1:100 for preventative and continuous biosecurity measures to provide high levels of efficacy.

With outbreaks of Avian Influenza in Russia, Romania and Turkey and around 8,500 head of poultry already slaughtered in Turkey, European veterinary experts have advised poultry producers to heighten their biosecurity vigilance to reduce the likelihood of infectious migratory wild birds infecting the tens of millions of European birds. Whether the flocks are housed or not, vehicles may pick up the highly infectious virus and carry the organism onto the farm where workers can potentially spread the disease by touch, on their clothing or footwear.

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 (DuPont™ Biosolve®)
• 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.

With the memory of the devastating Dutch Avian Influenza outbreak of 2003 still fresh in many poultry producers' minds, governments are concerned about the potential economic impact of this disease. During the Avian Influenza outbreak in the Netherlands in 2003, DuPont™ Virkon® S was the only disinfectant purchased by the Dutch authorities (the RVV). This decision followed expert consultation with other global governmental bodies.

DuPont Animal Health Solutions is working closely with distributors in areas affected by Avian Influenza H5N1 virus to ensure that supplies of DuPont™ Virkon® S are readily available to meet increased demands. Doctor Stephen Lister BVetMed MRCVS explains, "The cornerstone of Emergency Disease preparation must be to maintain a heightened state of vigilance against Avian Influenza. Control protocols for this highly contagious disease should be based on sound and effective continuous biosecurity measures, as described above, using a disinfectant independently proven effective against the H5N1 Avian Influenza virus. Effective Emergency Disease Control strategies must be a priority for governments and poultry producers internationally."

For more information about DuPont Animal Health Solutions biosecurity programmes and products, visit the world's largest web-based biosecurity resource, www.ahs.dupont.com.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

Source: DuPont Animal Health Solutions - 26th October 2005