Univet readies product against FMD, bird flu

Leading feeds supplier Univet Agricultural Products Inc. is coming out with a breakthrough product that can effectively fight bird flu and food and mouth disease (FMD), both are feared to be capable of causing a global pandemic.

Univet general manager Ricardo Alba said the potency of the product, named Microban Disinfectant, had been tested and proven effective based on international standards.

“Microban is a broad spectrum (disinfectant) effective against food and mouth disease (FMD) and H5N1 (bird flu) virus,” Alba said.

A broad-spectrum disinfectant can kill both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

As an anti-viral substance, Microban acts as a high-level decontaminator that combines the power of four disinfectants with surface-active ingredients to bring about thorough cleaning. The four-way solution is a combination of two powerful aldehydes quartenary ammonium compounds and glyoxal.

“Not only that, Microban is active even with hard water and proteins, has a long-lasting effect, does not induce development of bacterial resistance to the disinfectant, and has surface-active agents for better disinfection,” Alba added, referring to the many applicable uses of the product in disinfecting various livestock and poultry facilities, including slaughterhouses.

The company is also introducing its first formulated medicated shampoo highly specific for the control and removal of ectoparasites.

Branded as Pusham, this specially-formulated shampoo is prescribed for the control and elimination of fowl and bird parasites, especially red mites.

Pusham contains a very potent ectoparasiticide and synergist cypermethrin and piperonyl butoxide and is ideal for gamecocks.

Cypermethrin is a broad-spectrum neurotoxin that acts fast, does not accumulate in successive applications, and with less toxicity for game fowls or commercial broilers and their caretakers.

On the other hand, piperonyl butoxide is a pesticide synergist with no insecticidal property, but enhances the potency of other insecticides, thereby reducing the amount of active insecticides required for optimum efficacy.

“Pusham is formulated with feather conditioner for better penetration and contact of cypermethrin with the parasite, and makes the bird’s feathers glossy and healthy. In addition, the typical pesticide odor present in other ectoparasiticidal shampoo is virtually absent in this product, thus ensuring the safety of the gamecocks and their handlers, especially when bathing the birds,” Alba explained.

These products are on top of Univet‘s other already-renowned product lines, including variants of the Thunderbird feed brand such as GMP Chickbooster, Stag Grower, and Grower Maintenance, each catering to a specific gamefowl age bracket.

”We‘re assured that these new products will continue helping our customers, the same way they’ve helped us grow throughout the years,” Alba pointed out.

Univet will demonstrate the use and advantages of these and other products at their exhibit booth in Agrilink, Foodlink and Aqualink 2007, the country‘s biggest, most prestigious and longest running annual international trade show on agribusiness, food, and aquaculture. Agrilink, Foodlink and Aqualink 2007 will be held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on Oct. 4 to 6.