How stable is highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus in the environment?
Top A: Avian influenza (AI) viruses are sensitive to most detergents and disinfectants, and heating and drying will inactivate them. However, AI viruses may persist in soil, feces, and pond water for varying amounts of time, depending on environmental conditions. The ability of AI viruses to survive in the environment depends on temperature and humidity. According to a 1998 study,1 the stability of the Hong Kong H5N1 highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) virus in wet feces in the environment was more than 40 days at 4°C (39.2°F). The virus becomes less stable as the temperature increases: at 25°C (77°F) the virus was stable for 8 days and at 35°C (95°F) the virus was stable for only 2 days. The same study reported that H5N1 HPAI virus in dry feces at 25°C (77°F) was stable for only 1 day. 1 Shortridge KF, Zhou NN, Guan Y, Gao P, Ito T, Kawaoka Y, et al. Characterization of avian H5N1 influenza viruses from poultry in Hong Kong. Virology. 1998;252:331-42.
