Preventing bird flu in poultry farming – supply air disinfection with UV-C
Year after year, bird flu (avian influenza, HPAI) leads to dramatic losses in poultry farming. Entire flocks have to 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 that has already proven itself thousands of times in practice:
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Typical sources of infection in poultry farming
| Emission source | Pathogen / problematic substances | Special features |
| Outside air (supply air) | Avian flu viruses (e.g. H5N1) | Introduction through aerosols or dust |
| Air supply via ducts | Bacteria, spores, viruses | Uncontrolled inflow without protection |
| Proximity to wild birds | Influenza viruses | Particularly high risk in risk areas |
| Personnel airlocks / technology | Secondary contamination | Supplementary protective measures useful |
Why germ-free supply air is crucial
Bird flu is almost always introduced via the air – especially through contaminated outside air. Even the highest hygiene standards in the barn are of little use if pathogens enter via the supply air.
Bird flu viruses can only spread by adhering to dust or through aerosols. Conventional filters may hold back the dust, but they cannot stop the tiny pathogens. Hepa filters would have too short a service life due to the dust load and would have to be constantly replaced.
This is exactly where oxytec comes in: The air is disinfected with UV-C light directly at the air inlet – reliably, without chemicals and demonstrably effective against bird flu viruses such as H5N1.
Legal requirements
While germ-free supply air is not (yet) mandatory by law, it is increasingly recommended by veterinary offices and insurance companies. Particularly in risk zones with a high presence of wild birds, proof of UV-C supply air disinfection can help to avoid restrictions and maintain insurance cover.
Economic protection – investment instead of culling
The culling of a poultry flock not only causes extreme economic damage, but also emotional stress for employees and those responsible. Supply air disinfection from oxytec offers a practical, immediately effective and scalable solution to permanently avoid the horror scenario of barn evacuation.
Protect your poultry farm against bird flu – permanently and without ongoing chemical costs.
Our experts will analyze your air supply systems and create a tailor-made concept.
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 supply 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 opening, easy to retrofit
- Also possible as a retrofit
- The supply air remains natural in its components.
- Optionally supplemented by UV-ozone and carbon filter for an even broader spectrum of effectiveness.
Advantages of UV-C
- Disinfection effect scientifically confirmed
- Successful in hatcheries, parent stock, turkey and laying hen rearing
- No more cases of outbreaks in the immediate vicinity
- In use for decades , tested by the Fraunhofer Institute
Possible applications
– Hatcheries
– Poultry fattening facilities (chickens, turkeys, ducks)
– Laying hen farms
– Parent stock farms
– Breeding farms with high animal value
– Quarantine or hygiene stables
Your benefits with oxytec UV air disinfection
– Prevents epidemics in the barn
– Protects animals, employees and farm yield
– Saves costs due to barn clearances and production losses
– Fraunhofer-tested effectiveness
– Low maintenance and energy efficient
– Can be installed on almost all ventilation systems
FAQ – häufige Fragen
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 bird flu (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 itself in poultry farms, even in outbreaks in the immediate vicinity.
Can I retrofit the system?
Yes. Our UV-C modules have a modular structure and can be retrofitted to almost all existing air supply systems (e.g. tunnel, cross or shaft ventilation) – without interfering with the operation of the barn.
In most buildings, the UV lamps can be fitted from the outside. We can supply a specially manufactured housing for this if required.
How maintenance-intensive is the system?
The requirements are low. The filters are only used to keep the lamps free of dust. Only the UV-C lamps need to be replaced depending on the operating time (approx. 8,000-12,000 hours). The systems work reliably over the long term.
What happens in the event of a power failure?
If required, the systems can be connected to an emergency power supply at . We also recommend a supplementary filter solution as a backup in critical areas – we will be happy to advise you on this.
How quickly is the system installed?
Depending on the size of the barn and the ventilation concept, the system can be installed and put into operation within 1-3 days. Installation is also possible during operation in many cases.
How high is the investment?
The costs depend on the size of the barn and the air volume. We will provide you with an individual quote , which usually pays for itself after preventing a single outbreak: The costs for an entire system are approximately 1/5 of the costs incurred by culling a flock.
Can the authorities order a cull even though my barn is free of bird flu?
Yes, unfortunately this is possible.
In the event of outbreaks in the vicinity, the authorities can set up so-called restricted or observation zones. If your business is located in this zone, culling can be ordered as a preventive measure – even without a positive result.
However, with UV-C air disinfection, you can prove that no viruses can be introduced via the air. This improves your position vis-à-vis the authorities and can help to avert a cull .
Is UV-C also worthwhile outside of bird flu outbreaks?
Because UV-C disinfection not only protects against bird flu, but also generally reduces the germ load in the barn– e.g. against bacteria, mold spores and other pathogens.
This improves animal health, feed conversion and the barn climate – permanently.
