Label Guidance for Antimicrobial Pesticides Used Against Avian Influenza A

Ready-to-Use and Coarse Spray Products - Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Agricultural and Residential Uses

Avian influenza A label claims will be accepted for these types of products provided efficacy data has been submitted and accepted to support the label claim. It should be clear that the use is only for surfaces which are not conducive to treatment by immersion or excess liquid (e.g., cages, equipment tables, lab benches, faucet handles, door knobs, and similar "high touch" surfaces.) For uses in hospital/medical/health facilities, the directions for use for hospital disinfection should be followed. For all other use sites, general disinfection directions for use should be followed.

Towelette Products - Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Agricultural and Residential Uses

Avian influenza A label claims will be accepted for these types of products provided efficacy data has been submitted and accepted to support the label claim. It should be clear that the use is only for surfaces which are not conducive to treatment by immersion or excess liquid (e.g., electrical panels, cash registers, door knobs and similar "high touch" surfaces). For uses in hospital/medical/health facilities, the directions for use for hospital disinfection should be followed. For all other use sites, general disinfection directions for use should be followed.

Label Claims

Featured statements/phrases, emphasized/enlarged lettering, special graphics, or any product name that employs the terms "Avian influenza A" or "Bird Flu", are unacceptable. Featured statements/phrases, emphasized/enlarged lettering or special graphics that are employed for the primary purpose of especially promoting or drawing attention to product efficacy against avian influenza A, are also unacceptable. For example, a featured, incomplete phrase such as "Kills avian influenza A" will not be permitted, but the phrase "Kills avian influenza A on pre-cleaned environmental surfaces" is acceptable.

Dilutable Liquids and Powders - Poultry Farms and Related Agricultural Sites

Avian influenza A label claims should have a separate section from basic disinfection claims under the heading "Special Instructions for Inactivating Avian Influenza A." The following label directions are required for poultry house disinfectants to permit their classification as non-food use products.

• Remove all poultry and feeds from premises, trucks, coops, and crates.
• Remove all litter and droppings from floors, walls and surfaces of facilities occupied or traversed by poultry.
• Empty all troughs, racks, and other feeding and watering appliances.
• Thoroughly clean all surfaces with soap or detergent and rinse with water.
• Saturate surfaces with the recommended disinfecting solution for a period of 10 minutes.
• Ventilate buildings, coops, and other closed spaces. Do not house poultry or employ equipment until treatment has been absorbed, set, or dried.
• Thoroughly scrub treated feed racks, troughs, automatic feeders, fountains, and waterers with soap or detergent, and rinse with potable water before reuse.

For uses in hospital/medical/health facilities, the directions for use for hospital disinfection should be followed. For all other non-agricultural use sites, general disinfection directions for use should be followed.

Previously Rejected Label Claims

Products that were submitted to EPA with efficacy data against avian influenza A whose label claims were rejected due to the packaging type or container size may resubmit those labels, following the guidance provided above, for Agency approval. These amendments will be handled under an expedited review, only if the nature of the amendment is to obtain the previously rejected avian influenza A label claim.

Previously Approved Label Claims

Registrants whose products are listed on the Agency's Avian Influenza web page, and/or have EPA approved labels, are encouraged to revise their labels in accordance with this guidance, where appropriate.

Point of Contact

For additional information, contact Dr. Tajah Blackburn at 703-308-0372.