UN Asks for DuPont's Assistance to Help Control Spread of Avian Flu in 69 Nations

DuPont Virkon S veterinary disinfectant independently tested effective against H5N1 strain

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 Virkon 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 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 S inactivates the H5N1 avian influenza virus when used appropriately.

Globally regarded as among the most effective virucidal disinfectant agents available, Virkon 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 bio-security 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 S was the disinfectant of choice used by various governments to help prevent the "bird flu" from spreading. Virkon 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 Bio-security 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 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 S disinfectant, DuPont's avian flu products and services are designed to address each of these key areas — from comprehensive farm bio-security procedures and programs to personal protective equipment and disinfectant solutions.               

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