The poultry sector is an essential component of the agricultural industry. Good poultry health has to be maintained for food safety and hygiene to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases. Poultry viruses, such as Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) and Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), are well known to cause devastating outbreaks, leading to high mortality rates and economic losses. Thus, to prevent the risks associated with these viruses, effective disinfection protocols must be established. Disinfectant testing against poultry viruses helps to ensure that the biosecurity measures for poultry are effective. This article will explore the standard methods for testing disinfectant efficacy against poultry viruses, key considerations, and regulatory requirements.
Disinfectant efficacy testing
Disinfectant efficacy testing involves the evaluation of a disinfectant’s ability to inactivate or kill specific viruses under specific conditions defined as per standard protocols. Results from these tests may help set the concentration, contact time, and environmental conditions under which the given disinfectant is most effective. Some of the key standard methods for disinfectant testing against poultry viruses are discussed in subsequent sections.
Regulatory framework for disinfectant testing
Disinfectant efficacy testing is regulated by several international and national regulatory authorities. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees disinfectant efficacy testing, while in Europe, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) provides guidance under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). These agencies outline specific protocols for testing disinfectants, including which organisms to target and how to conduct the tests.
Laboratory standards for disinfectant testing
Following are some of the standard protocols which guide disinfectant testing against poultry viruses. These protocols ensure the consistency and reproducibility of the results, allowing for comparison across different studies. Key standards include:
European Norms (EN) Standards
- EN standards such as EN 14675 and EN 14476 provide guidelines to test the virucidal activity of disinfectants. These standards detail procedures, including the selection of test organisms and the preparation of viral suspensions, for the testing of the disinfectants under the specified conditions
AOAC International Standards
- In the U.S., the AOAC Use-Dilution Method and the AOAC Germicidal and Detergent Sanitizing Action of Disinfectants are used to test disinfectant efficacy. The overall activity of disinfectants is assessed against a wide variety of pathogenic microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
ASTM International Standards
- ASTM E1053 is the standard test method for evaluating the virucidal activity of disinfectants and sanitizers. This test method helps evaluate disinfectants to be used in poultry housing and equipment.
Selecting the test organism
Before disinfectant testing against poultry viruses begins, it is important to select the right viruses for the test. Common poultry viruses include
- Avian Influenza Virus (AIV)
- Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV)
- Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV)
These viruses are selected based on their relevance to the poultry industry and their potential to cause significant harm if not controlled effectively.
Standard methods for testing disinfectants
Currently, several methods for testing the disinfectants’ efficacy against poultry viruses are available. Each method offers its advantages under specific conditions depending on the type of disinfectant to be tested.
Suspension tests
Suspension tests are used for the in vitro disinfectant testing against poultry viruses. The method involves mixing a known concentration of the virus with the disinfectant in a test tube or beaker. The mixture is then neutralized after the specified contact time, and the remaining viral particles are enumerated by titration or plaque assays.
The suspension test is a quick and effective screening test for disinfectants. However, it does not permit the replication of real-world conditions likely to occur at poultry farms, such as the presence of organic matter or uneven surfaces.
Some of the frequently used test protocols include:
EN 14675 – Test for virucidal activity of disinfectant or antiseptics used in veterinary areas
EN 14476 – Test for the virucidal activity of disinfectants or antiseptics used in medical areas
Carrier tests
Disinfectant testing against poultry viruses using carrier tests is ideal for assessing the actual performance of the disinfectant in the field. This method involves introducing conditions similar to those encountered in poultry facilities where viruses are likely to be present on equipment, walls, or the floor.
In the carrier test, the target virus is dried onto a carrier (such as a stainless-steel disk), and the test disinfectant is applied. After the prescribed contact time, the carrier is neutralized, and the surviving virus is quantified. This method is useful in testing disinfectants intended for farm equipment or facility surfaces.
Some of the frequently used test protocols include:
EN 16777 – Test for virucidal activity of disinfectant used in the medical area
EN 17111 – Test for virucidal activity of medical instrument disinfectants
EN 17122 – Test for virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants or antiseptics used in veterinary areas
Performance criteria
Disinfectants must reduce the viral load by at least 4 to 6 logs, which is equivalent to a 99.99% – 99.9999% reduction of viral particles. Testing should further account for factors such as contact time, temperature conditions, and organic matter presence to replicate field conditions.
Factors affecting disinfectant efficacy
Several factors affect the result of a disinfectant efficacy test. It is important to consider these factors to ensure that the disinfectant works optimally in real-life conditions.
Organic matter
- Organic materials, like feces, blood, or bedding, can interfere with disinfectant action. Disinfectant testing against poultry viruses should consider the presence of organic matter to replicate real farm situations.
Contact time
- The contact time of the disinfectant determines the efficacy of the disinfectant. Contact times are specified in recognized test methods, and must be replicated in reality.
Temperature and humidity
- Environmental conditions can influence disinfectant efficacy. Warmer temperatures tend to improve disinfectant activity, while cold conditions may reduce it. Humidity may also aid in the spread of poultry viral infections.
Surface type
- The nature of surfaces, i.e., whether they are porous or non-porous may also affect the efficacy of disinfectants. Tests must be conducted with defined surface materials in order to examine efficiency under different conditions.
Disinfectant testing against poultry viruses is an important part of poultry industry biosecurity. Standard methods, like those proposed by European Norms, AOAC International, and ASTM International, offer reliable frameworks to test the performance of disinfectants. Poultry producers seeking to ensure that their disinfectants are effective must collaborate with laboratories that apply these standardized methods to test the efficacy of disinfectants.
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we offer comprehensive testing services to ensure the efficacy of disinfectants against poultry viruses. With our expert team and industry-standard methodologies, ensure that your products meet regulatory requirements and effectively safeguard poultry health from viral threats.
To learn more about our disinfectant testing against poultry viruses or any other viruses, please contact our experts today.
