What does EPA know about the persistence of AI virus in environmental media?
Avian influenza viruses, unlike spore-forming bacteria (e.g., anthrax), do not have the ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, but can persist for months in cold environmental conditions. Physical factors such as heat, extremes of pH, UV irradiation, and dryness can also inactivate avian influenza viruses. However, it is important to note that under certain conditions the virus can survive for long periods of time in the environment and that much remains to be learned about H5N1 in environmental media.
