Researchers at Auburn University in Alabama have found a way to inactivate avian influenza virus in poultry feed.
An outbreak of the virus swept through backyard and commercial farms across the U.S. last year, resulting in the euthanasian of millions of birds. While the outbreak is over, the poultry industry remains concerned about all potential ways the virus can spread during an outbreak. Although pelleting of feed effectively inactivates any potential of the virus in feed, not all poultry feeds are pelleted.
In a recently completed research project — funded by USPOULTRY — Haroldo Toro at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine found that commercially available and approved formaldehyde-based products very effectively and quickly inactivate the avian influenza virus in poultry feed, providing practical new information about how to control AIV spread during an outbreak.
More information on the research can be found here.
