Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Identified in the UK

Avian influenza (bird flu) identified in the UK

Avian influenza of the H5N2 and H5N8 strains have been confirmed at poultry production facilities in Kent and Cheshire.

The advice from Public Health England (PHE) is that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency has made clear that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said of the Cheshire outbreak: “Immediate steps have been taken to limit the risk of the disease spreading and all remaining poultry at the farms will be culled. Birdkeepers should remain alert for any signs of disease, report suspected disease immediately and ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises.”

Christine Middlemiss: “We are urgently looking for any evidence of disease-spread associated with this farm to control and eliminate it.’ Wild birds migrating from mainland Europe during the winter period can spread the disease to poultry and other captive birds, the Government said, as it announced a ‘detailed investigation’ to determine the most likely source of the outbreak. In late October, the bird flu threat in the UK was raised from ‘low’ to ‘medium”.

Mirius have a range of biosecurity products designed specifically to deal with cleaning and disinfection of production facilities with identified cases of Avian influenza. Omnicide, Omnicide FG and Omnicide FGII.

Omnicide

Omnicide™ is the original synergistic blend of Glutaraldehyde and Quaternary Ammonium Compound Cocobenzyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride. Omnicide a world leading biosecurity product for over 30 years and continues to give protection in healthcare in many areas. Omnicide has been independently tested all over the world and is approved by Defra in the UK for notifiable diseases such as Avian influenza.

To find out more: Omnicide

Omnicide FG and FGII

Two Omnicide Food Grade products are available spanning the food industry’s needs from production to packed and finished products. They are used to disinfect transport vehicles, slaughterhouses, cold storage, food processing and preparation areas, food packing areas and distribution vehicles. Omnicide FG’s are suitable for the animal, vegetable and fruit industry sectors. Omnicide FG and Omnicide FGII destroy pathogens responsible for food poisoning and food spoiling, such as E. coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria Monocytogenes, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Aspergillus Fungi

To find out more: Omnicide FG and FGII

Mirius are able to provide comprehensive and bespoke biosecurity compliance which includes:

• On-site inspection
• Site evaluation
• Product recommendations
• Staff training (including COSHH and Health & Safety if required)
• Comprehensive and bespoke compliance materials
• Ongoing training and support

Please email: healthcare@mirius.com or call +44 (0)2476 639 739