The highly pathogenic (= very pathogenic) avian influenza virus H5N8 is the cause of bird flu (HPAI = highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds and poultry. Bird flu cases caused by the H5N8 virus have currently been reported from Germany, the Netherlands and Great Britain. In the case of commercial poultry, turkeys, laying hens and fattening ducks, among others, are at risk. According to information from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), the H5N8 virus is currently apparently not able to overcome the species barrier to humans.
Bird flu also in humans?
This means that a threat to public health is considered rather low. Nevertheless, suitable protective clothing is absolutely necessary. If reusable protective clothing is used, it must be decontaminated and disinfected after use. When using disposable clothing, it must be disposed of harmlessly immediately after use. Particular attention must be paid to putting on and taking off protective clothing. There are instructions on how to do this. If the instructions are followed, this will prevent the user from being endangered and the infectious material from spreading further. The following protective clothing is suitable, a distinction must be made between 2 situations:
Routine activities in poultry houses and poultry farms, e.g. inspections:
It is recommended to wear category 3 type 3 suits, (depending on the application, however, possibly also category 3 type 4B/5/6 overalls). Type 3 overalls have taped or welded seams and are therefore not only spray-proof like Type 4 suits, but even liquid-tight. This also provides a better decontamination option. Suitable suits must always be certified according to EN 14126 (biobarrier).
Activities involving contact with infected material and faeces:
Due to the special nature of the hazard (faeces, body fluids), the requirements here are even higher than for routine activities. Category 3 type 3B/4/5/6 overalls are suitable, e.g. Tychem C Standard, one-piece, with hood, yellow, heat-taped seams; 100% particle-tight, liquid-tight up to 2 bar. In the same way, the disposable 3B/4/5/6 Protec Maxx type coverall is perfectly suitable. All Type 3 and Type 4 coveralls are certified according to EN 14126 (with biobarrier).
Decontamination is based on the manufacturer's specifications, and the proper disposal of contaminated protective clothing depends on local regulations of the competent authorities.
Examples of protective clothing that can be used for activities related to bird flu:
• Disposable coveralls category 3, type 3B, 4, 5 and 6, e.g. Protec Maxx
• Disposable coveralls Tychem C and Tychem F, both Category 3, Type 3B, 4, 5 and 6
• Disposable overalls Multi Pro, category 3, type 4B, 5 and 6
Foot protection (worn over safety shoes):
Overboots, according to CE Category 3, possibly also overboots, according to CE Category 1
Face, eye and respiratory protection:
• FFP2 respirator without valve according to EN 149:2001 A1:2009
• FFP3 respirator with valve according to EN 149:2001 A1:2009
• Full vision goggles , fog-free, unventilated according to EN 166
Guard:
• Reusable, liquid-proof gloves made of latex, category 3 according to EN 374, e.g. Allprotec Yellow-Care (Category 3), Allprotec Blue-Care (Category 3) and Sempertip (Category 1)
• Reusable, liquid-tight latex/neoprene gloves, category 3 according to EN 374, e.g. Allprotec Bicolor-Neo
• Disposable latex gloves, e.g. Semperguard Latex IC (inner coating)
•Disposable nitrile gloves, e.g. Semperguard Nitrile Xpert
When using such clothing, good protection against viral infection from the bird flu virus is given.
For those interested: Structure of a bird flu virus:
Bird flu viruses are divided into subtypes according to 2 proteins on the viral surface, namely hemaglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). Example:
