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Summer 2006 - Article 2

Disinfectant Update
Bird Flu

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. Wild birds carry bird flu viruses naturally in their intestines and rarely get sick from them. However, avian influenza is highly contagious and can sicken or kill many domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks and turkeys.

Avian influenza in domesticated birds presents itself in two main forms - low pathogenic and high pathogenic. In the low pathogenic form, the virus may go undetected or cause only minor symptoms such as ruffled feathers and egg production drop. The high pathogenic form is extremely virulent, spreads quickly and has mortality rates of 90 - 100%.

The reason why bird flu is currently a hot topic of discussion is that "avian influenza virus" refers to influenza A viruses found chiefly in birds, but infections with these viruses can occur in humans. While rare, it is important to note that there have been several confirmed cases of avian influenza strains affecting humans since 1997. According to the CDC, of the few avian influenza viruses that have crossed the species barrier to infect humans, subtype H5N1 has caused the largest number of detected cases of severe disease and death in humans. Of the current outbreaks in Asia and Europe, more than half of those infected with the virus have died. Most cases have occurred in previously healthy children and young adults.

Essential currently has one product labeled for use against avian influenza A virus - Quat 44 (#2318). This product is registered and labeled with a claim to inactivate "avian influenza A" viruses on hard, non-porous surfaces. Typical applications include veterinary premises, poultry houses, farm premises and equipment and other industrial and institutional settings. Although there are no disinfectants currently registered specifically against the H5N1 subtype, the EPA believes that products registered against avian influenza A, when used as directed, will be effective against the H5N1 strain.

For human influenza (influenza A2), Essential currently offers three products with label claims - Quat 44 (#2318), Neutral Germicidal Cleaner (#702) and Quat 256 (#256).