Virucidal efficacy of seven active substances in commercial disinfectants used against H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza virus

SUMMARY: Currently, the mass culling of infected poultry as well as those that may have had contact with them is an essential part of prevention and disease control strategy, amidst the growing concerns over the avian influenza virus (AIV) spreading nationwide; however, it is largely dependent on effective biosecurity measures, including disinfection. Although many disinfectants are commercially available for veterinary use, information on the virucidal efficacy of individual active components in disinfectants is limited, since most disinfectants are complex formulations of active substances. This study aimed to evaluate the virucidal efficacy of individual active components in commercial disinfectants. Seven representative active substances in commercial disinfectants used against AIV in South Korea during the year 2020, namely potassium peroxymonosulfate (PPMS), sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), malic acid (MA), citric acid (CA), glutaraldehyde (GLT), benzalkonium chloride (BZK), and didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), were tested to confirm their individual virucidal efficacy against H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza virus. The specific selection of active substances and their test concentrations was done based on the formulation of 202 disinfectants approved by Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency as being effective against AIV. Minimal virucidal concentrations are as follows: for PPMS, 0.2%; for NaDCC, 0.1%; for MA, 0.5%; for CA, 0.4%; for GLT, 0.01%; for BZK, 0.4%; and for DDAC, 0.2%. The current study not only highlighted the virucidal efficacy of these active substances against AIV but also indicated its impact on the biosecurity measures, particularly for selection of a disinfectant and its proper application in poultry industry.