November 29, 2005

 

Water treatment system 'first line of defence' against bird flu

 

 

An innovative new water treatment system could provide the UK's poultry farmers with the first 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 was 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 pointed out.

 

Ritchie added that several producers have indicated an interest in installing Aqualution as their first line of defence. The system gave them an alternative to conventional chemicals such as chlorine or ozone, where the concentrations required could often have a harmful effect on the birds. Such conventional treatments were also unpopular with consumers, who were becoming more 'savvy' about methods used to produce their food.

 

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

 

On a typical unit, drinking water would often contain pathogen counts of 100,000/ml.  Once Aqualution has been installed, this reduced 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," Ritchie explained.

 

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

 

The system could 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'," Ritchie said.

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Tom Ritchie, Forum Bioscience                          

Mobile: +44-07799-714121                               

E-mail: tom.ritchie@forumgroup.co.uk                

 

Adrian Bell, Pharo Communications    

Tel: +44-02476-696721

Mobile: +44-07976-866808  

E-mail: adrianbell@pharoweb.co.uk