Inactivation of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) using a combination of Hatano-RCMF and naturally strongly acidic hot spring water

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) poses a serious threat to the global poultry industry, causing substantial economic losses while representing a significant challenge to public health and environmental hygiene [1,2]. The objective of this study was to develop a novel non-chemical water treatment technology by combining a unique Hatano Repulsive-Collision Magnetic Field (Hatano-RCMF), generated by opposing like-pole (N–N/S–S) permanent magnets, with naturally strongly acidic hot spring water, and to evaluate its physicochemical characteristics together with its virus- and pathogen-inactivating efficacy [S1-S4]. Physicochemical changes in the treated water before and after Hatano-RCMF exposure were investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis [S1,S2]. Biological evaluations were performed by assessing the inactivation of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) [S1], together with representative pathogenic microorganisms, including Escherichia coli O157 [S2] and Salmonella spp. [S2]. The combined treatment of Hatano-RCMF and naturally strongly acidic hot spring water induced measurable physicochemical changes in the water and demonstrated potent inactivation activity against H5N1 as well as representative pathogenic microorganisms [S1,S2]. These findings suggest that this technology represents a promising non-chemical approach for infectious disease control that may reduce dependence on conventional chemical disinfectants. The proposed system has potential applications not only in the poultry and livestock industries but also in the fields of food safety, public health, and environmental hygiene.