General rules for decontamination following an outbreak of avian influenza or newcastle disease

Abstract

Rapid application of strict biosecurity measures is the first step to prevent and control the introduction of avian influenza (AI) or Newcastle disease (ND) viruses. Biosecurity comprises two elements: bio-exclusion and bio-containment. Bio-exclusion includes all measures aimed at excluding infectious agents from uninfected premises. It requires the prevention of direct and indirect contact of infected animals or contaminated inanimate carriers (fomites) with poultry. Bio-containment includes all measures aimed at maintaining the infection within the premises from where the diagnosis was first obtained. Decontamination of the infected farm is one of the actions that must be adopted during the biocontainment process (EFSA 2005). Secondary spread of AI and ND is achieved mainly through human-related activities, such as the movement of staff, vehicles, equipment and other fomites. Further outbreaks may occur following restocking of birds in establishments that have not been adequately sanitised. © 2009 Springer Milan.