Home
News
Pasteurisation to protect against AI and ND
Scientists have recently discovered the exact
parameters for inactivating avian influenza and Newcastle disease by
pasteurisation.
Agricultural Research
Service scientists have discovered that the same pasteurisation temperatures
and times used to ensure eggs products are free of salmonella can also kill
AI
and
ND
viruses.
David Swayne, laboratory director of the
Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory found that AI and ND
viruses could be destroyed by pasteurisation. Pasteurisation is a short-term,
low-heat process used to kill bacteria in milk, egg products and other food
items without changing the cooking properties or flavour of the food.
Swayne established that heat inactivation occurred between 55 and 63
degrees Celsius, although the time needed to inactivate the viruses depended on
virus strain and egg product.
"While there are studies indicating that these viruses can be transmitted
to birds by ingestion, there are no definitive results showing the same is true
for humans. But inactivating the viruses in egg products will preclude possible
transmission to humans."
Swayne artificially infected four commercial egg products with AI and ND
viruses and then subjected them to standard, recommended pasteurisation
temperatures and times, which proved to kill the viruses.
"This study is important because we were able to determine inactivation
curves for various temperatures and times for future reference," says Swayne.
This research shows that egg products potentially infected with AI and ND
viruses can be pasteurised and then safely exported and used for food
consumption, thereby increasing international trade and improving food safety.
Editor WorldPoultry
To comment, login here
Or register to be able to comment.