There has been an ongoing pandemic of avian influenza in North America for over three years. It has devastated the poultry industry and now is starting to impact the dairy and pet food sectors. Most consumers first were impacted by avian influenza as they witnessed the soaring price of eggs caused by the depopulation of chicken barns in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus. To date, over 150 million birds have been culled; despite this, the pandemic continues.
Avian influenza outbreaks have occurred throughout history but now have a more significant impact given the size of animal production systems and the ease with which the virus spreads between densely populated environments. The ability to detect and study avian influenza has contributed to taking preventative measures and corrective actions more so than previously. To avoid the next global pandemic, there is a need to adopt a more preventative approach and to modernize disease response action plans.
Ultraviolet-based technologies are not a silver bullet but can supplement or replace current sanitation approaches. The benefits of UV are an effective chemical-free approach to which viruses, such as avian influenza, are highly susceptible. Many of the technologies currently exist for the disinfection of air, water and surfaces but need a change of mindset by regulators and industry to battle against the next pandemic Read more