Water treatment system ‘extra line of defence’ against avian flu

An innovative new water treatment system could provide the UK's poultry farmers with an extra line of defence against the spread of avian influenza in the national flock.

The Aqualution system, developed by UK company Forum Bioscience, was originally developed to help producers reduce the incidence of food poisoning bacteria such as Campylobacter and Salmonella. But during regulatory tests required under the EU's Biocidal Products Directive, the system demonstrated its ability to destroy the avian influenza virus where it's present in drinking water – believed to be a possible means of transmission between birds.

"The Food Standards Agency (FSA) says Campylobacter is the single biggest cause of food-borne illness in the United Kingdom," explains Tom Ritchie, business manager with Forum Bioscience, "so Aqualution satisfied the demand from producers for a product which could be used successfully during production.

"But the speed with which avian influenza has moved across Asia and into Europe has forced producers to consider contingency plans for their flocks, should the disease become commonplace among birds in the UK," he points out.

"Several producers have expressed an interest in installing Aqualution as their extra line of defence. It provides them with an alternative to conventional chemicals such as chlorine or ozone, where the concentrations required can often have a harmful effect on the birds. Such treatments are also unpopular with consumers who, understandably, are becoming more 'savvy' about the methods employed to produce their food.

"Aqualution relies on electrolysis to generate 'activated water', containing a very small amount of chlorine (3-5ppm) and high concentrations of dissolved oxygen. The combination is terrifically effective against pathogens," he stresses.

On a typical unit, drinking water will often contain pathogen counts of 100,000/ml. Once Aqualution has been installed, this reduces to 10/ml and often zero.

"Because the water stays 'active' up to the point of drinking, the system helps prevent spread of disease between birds," Mr Ritchie explains. "In addition, we have fogging trials underway to look at the effectiveness of the system for controlling airborne transmissions. If successful, this could then be used inside sheds and control rooms, as well as at farm entrances for disinfecting vehicles."

Independent testing has shown that the treated water satisfies the British Disinfectant Standard against a range of problem pathogens including Pseudomonas, E.coli and Campylobacter, as well as avian influenza and a number of other viruses.

The system can also boost end profits and animal welfare. "Extensive trial results show that for meat production, a combination of reduced bird mortality, increased growth rates and better food conversion are achieved. In layers and breeders there is also greater egg and chick yield, and litter is drier – easing consumer concerns about 'hock burn'."