New defence against deadly pathogens

A ground-breaking acid technology could help poultry producers eliminate the threat of deadly pathogens.

Trials undertaken by Aga2Tech, with support from Innovate UK, indicate an in-water peracetic acid treatment could prevent on-farm poultry infections – offering an effective alternative to antibiotics.

Commercial trials involving 250,000 broilers were carried out on farms in the north of England to assess practical application of the Aga2Tech’s patented peracetic acid treatment Peranan.

“We found there were considerably lower levels of pathogenic bacteria in the birds receiving the peracetic acid treatment, delivered at a 2% dilution in-water via drinker lines,” says Aga2Tech chief executive Adrian Fellows.

Antimicrobial properties

The trials confirmed the compound’s strong antimicrobial properties and ability to help to tackle common pathogens found in poultry environments without the need for antibiotics, says Mr Fellows.

“When salmonella was naturally introduced to the 60,000 bird flock on one farm, it was completely eradicated in the experimental shed after just one week of Peranan treatment, while the infection persisted in the control shed.”

Another trial – on a farm that had regularly tested positive for salmonella – found that Peranen was was again successful in eradicating the pathogen. “It hasn’t been detected in the shed since they started using the treatment,” says Mr Fellows.

The new peracetic acid technology, which is the result of 20 years of human health research into antibiotic alternatives, has also been shown to eradicate the avian influenza virus in laboratory trials.

Benign substance

“When tested at an independent,  United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) certified lab, we found in-water Peranan was proven to kill the bird flu virus, while being completely safe for poultry consumption.

“Unlike other options for tackling the virus, such as bleach, the treatment is harmless to the user and the environment. Even when used for a 42-day cycle – it breaks down into a benign substance.”

Mr Fellows says the compound works through a highly oxidative system, which disrupts the virus particle by generating a rapid transfer of energy. This means it could be a an effective mitigation measure to enhance on-farm biosecurity.

“Our next steps will involve more lab testing to assess the range of pathogens that Peranan proves effective against, and further commercial farm trials will be carried out to see if we can shorten the shorten the length of treatment required.”

Boxing farmer’s  one million press-ups for charity

Pig farmer Richard Longthorp, who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease, set out to complete one million press-ups in January – and raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Mr Longthorp undertook the challenge to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK and England Boxing. The money will be used to help fund coaching sessions and boxing classes for people – and help slow the progress of the condition.

He will end the challenge with a gruelling 24-marathon in which he will attempt to complete 10,000 press-ups by himself – and encourage others to join him in a final push to amass 1,000,000 push-ups combined.

Mammoth challenge

It builds on a mammoth challenge completed last January, when Mr Longthorp did 1,000 press-ups each day during the month, as well as an extra thousand on the last day, taking his total to 32,000 press-ups. Completing that challenge raised £22,000 charity.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s eight years ago, Mr Longthorp took up boxing at St Paul’s Boxing Academy in 2022, to help manage the condition by slowing the onset of symptoms and improve strength and coordination.

“Last January, at the wrong side of 70, I set myself the challenge of doing 1000 press-ups a day for the whole of the month. Due to people’s incredible generosity the project raised £22,000 and certainly increased awareness.”

For those who struggle with conventional press-ups, other options such as wall press-ups can be part of the challenge too, and those taking part are encouraged to raise their own funds to contribute to the charity pot.

To make a donation, visit

bit.ly/pigfarmer-pressups