Print this chapterPrint this chapter

Section 1. Avian Influenza Facts

Virus Survival

aivirus
CDC Photo Library: Erskine Palmer

Avian influenza (AI) virus can survive outside a host for long periods depending on temperature and humidity of the environment.

The virus can live for up to one month inside a poultry house at 40 ºF.

AI virus has also been found to survive in lakes (where waterfowl usually congregate) for over 30 days at freezing temperatures.

It is important to undergo proper cleaning, decontamination, and disposal of litter, manure, and other contaminated products as the virus can linger on surfaces and in water.

AI is inactivated when heated to 158ºF for 1 hour or by exposure to disinfectants or extreme pH levels.