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Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Outbreak Prompts Tougher Restrictions

 

Further outbreaks of Avian Influenza (AI) around the UK have seen the implementation of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) as a further attempt to reduce the spread of infection. Within these zones a framework of strict biosecurity measures operates as a legal requirement for all bird keepers, including restricted access for non-essential visitors to infected sites. In addition, all workers are required to change clothing and footwear when accessing and departing bird enclosures, vehicles need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly and perhaps most significantly, as of December 14, flocks are to be kept indoors. These steps announced by the UK government reflect the threat posed by Avian Influenza to wild birds and poultry following cases of the “highly infectious” viral illness across the UK in both avian populations.

It is not just the UK that is affected by AI, cases have been reported widely across Mainland Europe.  Although mainland cases appear to be confined to wild birds, the potential for transmission to poultry is high.

Whilst the risk to the combined bird population is apparent Public Health England said the risk to human health from AI is “very low”, and food standards agencies have confirmed that consumption of poultry products presents no hazard to the public.

The scope of biosecurity is wider than the measures identified above. Antiviral products, for example, are key to disease containment. Over the last 30 years Mirius has developed a range of highly efficacious antiviral biosecurity products designed specifically to be to be applied to contaminated poultry facilities as cleaning and disinfecting agents.

Omniclean is a heavy duty, fast foaming, detergent cleaner. Its formulation is ideal for first stage cleaning of animal housing, transportation, hatcheries and food processing areas. Omniclean™ contains a non-ionic and cationic surfactant that remove a wide variety of surface debris and heavy soiling such as protein, fats and biofilm, quickly and thoroughly via a simple jet wash tool. Cleaned surfaces and equipment are then ready for disinfection.

Omnicide™ is the original broad-spectrum animal health disinfectant blending the powerful active ingredient glutaraldehyde with the quaternary ammonium compound, Cocobenzyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, making it the ideal choice for disinfecting all areas, surfaces and equipment within poultry and hatchery environments. Omnicide™ has been independently tested all over the world and is approved by Defra in the UK for notifiable diseases such as Avian influenza.

Products like WP20 and Virucidal WP complete the picture and enables Mirius to offer a suite of excellent products best suited to address the challenges an outbreak of Avian Influenza presents to the UK poultry farming community.

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