Preventing Avian Influenza in Poultry Farming – Air Inlet Disinfection with UV-C
Year after year, avian influenza (highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI) causes dramatic losses in the poultry industry. Entire flocks must be culled—often despite high biosecurity standards.
The main source of infection: contaminated outside air.
This is precisely where an effective protective measure comes into play, one that has already proven itself thousands of times over in practice:
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Common sources of infection in poultry farming
| Source of emissions | Pollutants / Hazardous substances | Special features |
| Outdoor air (supply air) | Avian influenza viruses (e.g., H5N1) | Introduction via aerosols or dust |
| Air supply via shafts | Bacteria, spores, viruses | Uncontrolled inflow without protection |
| Proximity to wild birds | Influenza viruses | Particularly high risk in high-risk areas |
| Personnel airlocks / Technology | Secondary contamination | Additional protective measures are advisable |
Why germ-free supply air is crucial
Avian influenza is almost always transmitted through the air—particularly via contaminated outdoor air. Even the highest hygiene standards in the poultry house are of little use if pathogens enter through the intake air.
Avian influenza viruses can only spread by attaching themselves to dust or through aerosols. Conventional filters may trap dust, but they cannot stop the tiny pathogens. HEPA filters would have too short a service life due to dust contamination and would need to be replaced constantly.
This is exactly where oxytec comes in: Right at the air intake, the air is disinfected with UV-C light—reliably, chemical-free, and proven effective against avian influenza viruses such as H5N1.
Legal requirements
While germ-free supply air is not (yet) required by law, it is increasingly recommended by veterinary authorities and insurance companies. Especially in high-risk areas with a large wild bird population, proof of UV-C supply air disinfection can help avoid restrictions and maintain insurance coverage.
Economic protection – investment instead of culling
Culling a poultry flock not only causes extreme economic damage but also takes an emotional toll on employees and managers. Oxytec’s supply air disinfection offers a practical, immediately effective, and scalable solution to permanently avoid the nightmare scenario of clearing out the barn.
Protect your poultry farm against avian influenza—permanently and without ongoing chemical costs.
Our experts will analyze your supply air systems and develop a customized solution.
Effective solutions with Oxytec UV technology
UV-C Supply Air Disinfection
- UV-C light (254 nm) destroys the DNA and RNA of pathogens in the incoming air. This also prevents the development of resistant pathogens,
- Neutralizes 99.9% of airborne pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and spores
- Installed directly at the supply air vent; easy to retrofit
- Also available as a retrofit
- The composition of the supply air remains natural.
- Optionally supplemented with UV-ozone and carbon filters for an even broader spectrum of effectiveness.
Advantages of UV-C
- Germicidal effect scientifically confirmed
- Successful in hatcheries, parent stock housing, and turkey and layer rearing
- No further cases occurred following outbreaks in the immediate vicinity
- In use for decades, tested by the Fraunhofer Institute
Applications
• Hatcheries
• Poultry broiler farms (chickens, turkeys, ducks)
• Laying hen farms
• Parent stock farms
• Breeding farms with high-value animals
• Quarantine or hygiene barns
The benefits of oxytec UV air disinfection
• Prevents outbreaks in the barn
• Protects animals, staff, and farm revenue
• Saves costs associated with barn evacuations and production losses
• Fraunhofer-certified effectiveness
• Low-maintenance and energy-efficient
• Can be installed on virtually any ventilation system
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How does UV-C supply air disinfection work?
UV-C light with a wavelength of 254 nm destroys the genetic material (DNA/RNA) of viruses, bacteria, and spores in the air. This inactivates the pathogens before they can enter the barn or hatchery.
Does UV-C also help against avian influenza (H5N1)?
Yes. The effectiveness of UV-C against influenza A viruses—including H5N1—has been scientifically proven. The Oxytec system has been tested by the Fraunhofer Institute, among others, and has proven effective in poultry farms, even during outbreaks in the immediate vicinity.
Can I retrofit the system?
Yes. Our UV-C modules have a modular design and can be retrofitted to virtually all existing supply air systems (e.g., tunnel, cross-flow, or shaft ventilation) without disrupting barn operations.
In most buildings, the UV lamps can be installed from the outside. We can supply a specially designed housing if needed.
How maintenance-intensive is the system?
The requirements are minimal. The filters are simply designed to keep the lamps free of dust. Only the UV-C bulbs need to be replaced depending on their operating time (approx. 8,000–12,000 hours). The systems operate reliably around the clock.
What happens during a power outage?
If necessary, the systems can be connected to an emergency power supply. In addition, we recommend a supplementary filter solution as a backup in critical areas—we would be happy to advise you on this.
How quickly can the system be installed?
Depending on the size of the barn and the ventilation design, the system can be installed and put into operation within 1–3 days. In many cases, installation is also possible while the barn is in operation.
How much is the investment?
The cost depends on the size of the barn and the air volume. We will provide you with a customized quote that usually pays for itself after preventing just a single outbreak: The cost of the entire system is approximately one-fifth of the cost incurred by culling a herd.
Can the authorities order the culling even though my barn is free of bird flu?
Yes, unfortunately, that is possible.
In the event of outbreaks in the vicinity, the authorities may establish so-called restricted or observation zones. If your farm is located within this zone, preventive culling may be ordered—even without a positive test result.
However, with UV-C supply air disinfection, you can demonstrate that no viruses can be transmitted through the air. This strengthens your position with the authorities and can help prevent culling.
Is UV-C worth using even outside of avian flu outbreaks?
Because UV-C disinfection not only protects against avian influenza but also reduces the overall bacterial load in the barn—for example, by targeting bacteria, mold spores, and other pathogens.
This improves animal health, feed conversion, and barn climate—on a long-term basis.
