With the government today issuing a warning concerning a strain of highly contagious Avian Influenza currently in Europe, cleaning experts Jeyes are suggesting some effective ways to help kill the virus and stop the spread of the disease.

Today poultry keepers have been instructed to keep their birds inside to avoid contact with wild birds to help prevent contracting the disease, which has been detected in mainland Europe, as well as implement stricter biosecurity measures.

For farmed geese, gamebirds and other captive birds where housing is less practicable keepers are also being told to deploy measures to keep these animals separate from wild birds.

The following biosecurity steps can help to alleviate the threat of Avian Influenza, including:

Take all reasonable precautions to avoid the transfer of contamination between premises, including cleansing and disinfection of equipment, vehicles and footwear

Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing and equipment at the end of a production cycle

Keep disinfectant at the right concentration at key points such as farm entrances and entrances to bird houses.

For bird owners and poultry keepers concerned about the threat of Avian Influenza measures such as disinfecting and cleaning are vital for the safety of their birds, both during the course of maintaining a flock but also during depopulation at the end of a cycle. To ensure safe and effective removal of the disease DEFRA produces a list of approved products.

Dr Clare Jackson, cleaning expert from Jeyes Fluid, a product included on the approved list for Avian Influenza, said: “With the potential threat of avian flu we are supporting the government’s call for bird owners and poultry keepers to implement the extra biosecurity measures required to prevent the spread of this latest strain.

“Jeyes Fluid has been approved for disinfection of inanimate surfaces where an approved product is required to be used under the control legislation, which we are currently experiencing, for poultry diseases including avian influenza. Using protective clothing mix Jeyes Fluid with water at a dilution rate of one part to 20 parts water and apply to the surface. Leave for 20 minutes before washing off to kill Avian Influenza.”

There is no evidence that any recent strain of Avian Influenza has been able to spread directly between people, but this strain is highly contagious between birds and the virus regularly changes creating new strains.