In view of their poor survivability outside of a host body, avian influenza viruses can be completely destroyed by using disinfectants commonly employed in poultry-rearing practice. These would include products based on aldehyde, chlorine, phenol, oxidizing agents, alkalis and so on. They must however be properly used. Good results may be achieved by using the disinfectants as follows:

Included in the disinfectants containing an aldehyde are formaldehyde, polyformaldehyde etc. Formaldehyde is mostly used in fumigation. 

Coops should be hermetically-sealed and fumigated with a disinfectant mix in the proportion of 7-21 grams of potassium permanganate to 14-42 milliliters of formalin per cubic meter. During fumigation, ambient temperature should not be lower than 15 degrees C with relative humidity around 60%-80%. The potassium permanganate should be put in the container first followed by the formalin. To achieve proper sterilization the doors and windows should be kept hermetically sealed for seven hours. Afterwards the doors and windows should be opened for thorough ventilation and removal of the remnants of the fumigant.

The disinfecting effect of inorganic disinfectants with chlorine depends on the concentration. Higher concentrations are more effective. The same is true of organic disinfectants with chlorine. A solution containing 5% bleach powder can be sprayed on animal coops and folds, feeding troughs and vehicles. Hypochlorous acid used in sterilization is quick, odorless and does not leave a harmful residue making it the disinfectant of choice in food processing factories and on equipment and work surfaces in meat processing plants.

Alkaline disinfectants contain sodium hydroxide and the like aqueous solutions can be used to disinfect coops, floors, walls, premises and contaminated materials. It can also be used to sterilize the floors of slaughterhouses and food processing factories, vehicles, vessels, etc. They should subsequently be well cleansed some 6-12 hours after spraying.

(China.org.cn February 13, 2004)