United Nations Requests DuPont's Assistance to Help Control Spread of Avian Flu in 69 Nations
DuPont(TM) Virkon(R) S Veterinary Disinfectant Independently Tested
Effective Against H5N1 Strain
WILMINGTON, Del., May 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As a precautionary
measure to combat avian flu, the United Nations' Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) today asked DuPont to provide initial supplies of its
DuPont(TM) Virkon(R) S veterinary disinfectant to meet the short-term needs
in 69 nations, where it is needed most to help governments and farmers
prevent avian flu from spreading. The 69 countries are primarily located in
Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The FAO is headquartered in
Rome.
At several FAO reference laboratories, Virkon(R) S has demonstrated to
be effective against "bird flu" viruses and several other disease agents of
international importance. Independent tests conducted by the Harbin
Veterinary Research Institute in China confirmed that Virkon(R) S
inactivates the H5N1 avian influenza virus when used appropriately.
Globally regarded as among the most effective virucidal disinfectant agents
available, Virkon(R) S works as a preventive measure, enhancing sanitary
conditions of livestock areas and helping to prevent avian influenza from
spreading.
"The cornerstone of Emergency Disease Control preparation must be to
maintain a heightened state of vigilance against avian influenza," said Dr.
Stephen Lister, a European veterinarian and a biosecurity expert who has
provided counsel on previous avian flu outbreaks. "Control protocols for
this highly contagious disease should be based on sound and effective
continuous biosecurity measures, using a disinfectant independently proven
effective against the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Effective Emergency
Disease Control strategies must be a priority for governments and poultry
producers internationally."
During the last major European outbreak in 2003 in the Netherlands,
Virkon(R) S was the disinfectant of choice used by various governments to
help prevent the "bird flu" from spreading. Virkon(R) S is now a part of
many countries' defense strategies against avian flu.
DuPont Animal Health Solutions and its local partners also are
providing biosecurity training around the world - informing farm staff,
veterinarians and government officials of key preventive biosecurity
control measures to minimize the spread of avian influenza in the future.
Biosecurity procedures on farms include vehicle disinfection, farm border
controls, and rigorous disinfection measures. In Indonesia, for example,
DuPont has teamed with the Indonesian Red Cross to assist Indonesians at
the village levels to combat avian flu through community awareness,
biosecurity and community-based surveillance programs. Additionally,
Virkon(R) S is currently being used by officials at the Cairo Zoo to help
protect its animals after several birds carrying the deadly H5N1 strain of
avian flu were found in the zoo's artificial lake.
"For more than 200 years, DuPont has been delivering both innovations
and 'know-how' that make people's lives safer and better," said Nick
Fanandakis, vice president and general manager - DuPont Chemical Solutions
Enterprise, which includes DuPont Animal Health Solutions. "As a global
science company, DuPont is prepared to assist during this time of need, and
- most of all - to give hope to farmers, governments and others who have
been devastated by the outbreak."
In addition to Virkon(R) S disinfectant, DuPont's avian flu products
and services are designed to address each of these key areas - from
comprehensive farm biosecurity procedures and programs to personal
protective equipment and disinfectant solutions. Individual products
include:
-- DuPont(TM) Tyvek(R) - DuPont(TM) Tyvek(R) apparel provides excellent
protection against microscopic airborne particles. Protective
apparel includes: DuPont(TM) Tyvek(R) disposable coverall garments,
boot and shoe covers, hoods and aprons, all which can be used to
protect farm employees during the disposal of infected poultry.
-- DuPont(TM) Tychem(R) Protective Apparel - DuPont(TM) Tychem(R), which
is available in several styles including coveralls and aprons,
provides protection from hazardous liquids and blood borne pathogens.
It is the recommended personal protection for potential contact with
infected material, including application of cleaning and disinfectant
chemicals.
-- DuPont(TM) RelyOn(TM) - A safe and effective personal disinfectant,
DuPont(TM) RelyOn(TM) will kill germs and control the hazards of
cross contamination with no special disposal required after personal
use.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts
science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better,
safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70
countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services
for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications,
safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A visual of biosecurity workers applying Virkon(R) S
and wearing Tyvek(R) personal protection apparel while disinfecting a
poultry farm in Indonesia is available at:
www2.dupont.com
ayi ngchickenhouse.jpg.
The DuPont Oval, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM), and Virkon(R)
S, Tyvek(R), Tychem(R) and RelyOn(TM) are registered trademarks or
trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
SOURCE DuPont
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