Neogen disinfectants proven effective against avian influenza

LEXINGTON, Ky., April 20, 2015 — In response to numerous recent reports of avian influenza outbreaks in widespread poultry production facilities, Neogen announced that its comprehensive line of agricultural biosecurity products includes multiple disinfectants proven to be effective against avian influenza.

Neogen offers the “gold standard” of poultry facility disinfectants, DuPont’s Virkon® S, as well as DC&R® Disinfectant, and BioSentry BioPhene™ and BioQuat™ disinfectants. The products have different applications within poultry facilities, and each product has met the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) criteria for a virucidal label claim against avian influenza.

“As the source of the outbreaks appear to be migratory birds, there is little an individual poultry operation can do to totally eliminate the risk of avian influenza from arriving at its facilities. But, there is plenty an operation can do to prevent the spread of virus within its facilities,” said Dr. Mueez Admad, Neogen’s biosecurity technical services veterinarian. “The best prevention is a strong biosecurity program that is effective at every step. First to clean and disinfect a facility, including its bird water supply, then in stopping a virus from entering a thoroughly disinfected facility. While trucks and personnel are often the focus of biosecurity efforts, rodents and insects cannot be overlooked as vectors for the spread of disease. Effective biosecurity programs include rodenticidal and insecticidal components.”

Avian influenza is the disease caused by infection with avian, or bird, influenza viruses. These viruses have been shown to occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide, and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Avian influenza viruses do not normally infect humans. Recent reports of avian influenza outbreaks have come from 16 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.

Neogen’s disinfectants proven to be effective against avian influenza:

• DuPont Virkon S, a hard surface disinfectant for use in livestock production and transportation facilities.
• DC&R Disinfectant, a hard surface disinfectant recommended for vehicle disinfection and foot baths.
• BioSentry BioPhene Disinfectant, a disinfectant that is effective on hard surfaces, and other areas where organic load may be an issue in and around farm premises. It is recommended for general premise disinfection.
• BioSentry BioQuat 20 Disinfectant, a disinfectant recommended for vehicle disinfection and foot baths, it is non-corrosive to metal surfaces, odorless and non-staining.

Neogen’s poultry biosecurity program also features a four-step rodent control protocol, which includes the company’s Havoc®, CyKill™, and Di-Kill® products.

For more information, contact Neogen at 859/254-1221, or visit a special website created in response to the avian influenza outbreak, www.Neogen.com/AvianInfluenza. The site contains information on contacting Neogen to speak to a specialist, and the best use of Neogen’s products to help stop the spread of avian influenza.

Neogen Corporation (Nasdaq: NEOG) develops and markets products dedicated to food and animal safety. Neogen’s Animal Safety Division is a leader in the development of animal genomics, along with the manufacturing and distribution of a variety of animal healthcare products, including diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, veterinary instruments, wound care and disinfectants.