Bird flu virus can contaminate henhouses, coops, cages, bedding, etc. Then there is a need to deal with HPAI-infected poultry droppings and nasal secretions. Influenza viruses are vulnerable to both disinfectants and heat. During the course of disinfection, contaminated coops must be cleansed first with detergent, then disinfected with a solution of sodium hypochlorite and finally fumigated with formalin and potassium permanganate. Metal cages and equipment can be effectively sterilized with fire. Due to the high concentrations of the virus they contain, droppings should be treated with special care. While both feces and bedding should be disposed of by means of burial, the tools used to do the job should be disinfected by immersion in caustic soda or other disinfectant.
(China.org.cn February 13, 2004)
