We investigated the effects of inactivation of avian influenza virus by slaked lime and alkaline chemicals, namely sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide. Solutions of these chemicals and lime in water had sufficient effect to inactivate avian influenza virus. However, decrease in the turbidity by filtering with a 0.1-µm syringe filter showed a decreased effect of slaked lime. Furthermore, when the pH of solutions of the chemicals (pH>13) were lowered to 12 by using hydrochloric acid, they became ineffectual. These findings suggested that slaked lime in conjunction with chemicals with a high pH was effective to inactivate avian influenza virus by adsorbing its impurities.
(Domestic Livestock Disease Identification Office, Agriculture and Livestock Industry Promotion Division, Shimane Prefecture Government, TEL +81-853-43-2455)
