Virus inactivation by ethylene oxide containing gases.

Gases containing ethylene oxide mixed with carbon dioxide alone (Etox®) or together with methyl formate (Etoxiat®) were employed for virus treatment in a way that has been shown efficient for the killing of bacteria. A number of viruses selected for their capacity to withstand chemical or physical treatments were tested under varying conditions, including in a dried state in the presence of high amounts of organic matter (animal spillings). The viruses tested were enteroviruses, paramyxovirus (NDV), poxvirus and parvovirus, and they were all inactivated to a high degree.