As the world continues to rebound from recent global health crises, concerns about emerging viral pathogens remain at the forefront of public health and safety efforts. One of the latest threats drawing international attention is avian influenza, or bird flu — a highly contagious viral infection that devastates poultry populations and raises serious concerns for food safety and potential human transmission. At the same time, the unexpected resurgence of measles—another highly contagious virus that can linger in the air or on surfaces for hours—underscores an urgent reality: hygiene protocols are more critical than ever. These parallel threats serve as a stark reminder that surface disinfection isn’t just routine—it’s a frontline defense in safeguarding both public and professional environments.

Emerging pathogens are viruses or bacteria that are newly appearing in a population or are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range. These microbes are often zoonotic, jumping from animals to humans, and can trigger outbreaks with widespread implications. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a framework to help manage such pathogens through effective surface disinfection protocols — a key part of preventing transmission.

Through the Emerging Viral Pathogen (EVP) guidance, the EPA provides a clear path for antimicrobial product registrants to make limited-time claims against novel viruses not yet widely available for laboratory testing. Products meeting these standards must demonstrate proven efficacy against harder-to-kill or similar viral strains, giving end users confidence that their disinfectants are appropriate during outbreaks.

The Growing Concern Around Avian Influenza

Recent spikes in avian flu infections, particularly the H5N1 and H7N9 strains, have prompted experts to call for robust, proactive strategies to prevent a larger-scale crisis. According to FoodIngredientsFirst, the disease has been detected in poultry, wild birds, and increasingly among mammals, raising concerns about food supply safety and potential zoonotic transmission.

One particularly urgent issue is the need for disinfectants that are safe and effective on food contact surfaces — especially in agricultural processing plants, kitchens, and other critical control points where cross-contamination could lead to broader spread.

With increasing fears about foodborne exposure and environmental contamination, maintaining hygienic surfaces in food production and handling areas is paramount. Disinfectants like those from Arxada, backed by EPA registration and data-driven efficacy claims, provide an essential barrier against virus survival on surfaces. When used according to label directions, these products help prevent viral persistence and reduce the risk of cross-contamination, especially in environments where food safety is non-negotiable.

Rise to the Challenge: Formulate Disinfectants That Defend Public Health

As the threat of avian flu continues to evolve, so must your response. Leveraging EPA-approved disinfectants with proven efficacy against viral pathogens is not only best practice — it’s a public health imperative. Arxada’s solutions, aligned with the EPA’s EVP guidance, offer powerful tools in the fight against emerging diseases, helping industries and communities stay protected and prepared.