Active Chlorine Component of Hypochlorous Acid Solution Volatilized in the Air^(*1) Suppresses Over 99% of Canine Distemper Viruses and Feline Herpesviruses

Osaka, Japan – Panasonic Corporation (https://www.panasonic.com/global/home.html) today announced that its Heating & Ventilation A/C Company (hereinafter referred to as Panasonic) verified that the active chlorine component volatilized from the hypochlorous acid solution, produced by electrolysis of salt water, effectively suppresses over 99% of canine distemper viruses and feline herpesviruses that have adhered to test samples in a space of approx. 25 m³ within 120 minutes.^(*2)

The hypochlorous acid solution is produced through the electrolysis of salt water and demonstrates high efficacy in sterilization and deodorization. Since adopting the hypochlorous acid solution for the hygiene maintenance system of cup-dispensing vending machines in 1987,^(*3) Panasonic has been researching hypochlorous acid technology for over 30 years. The company verified in the past few years that the solution is effective in suppressing viruses, including canine parvoviruses, feline panleukopenia viruses, and feline coronaviruses.

Canine distemper viruses, which mainly affect dogs, are highly contagious and can also infect other wild animals. They are transmitted through airborne droplets, direct contact, or via the body fluids and excrement of infected animals. Early symptoms include fever, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, and eye inflammation. As the condition progresses, digestive symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting) and neurological symptoms (convulsions, paralysis) may appear, potentially leading to fatal consequences in severe cases.
On the other hand, feline herpesviruses infect felines, primarily affecting their respiratory system. They are transmitted through airborne droplets and direct contact, causing early symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, eye discharge, and conjunctivitis. In severe cases, they can develop symptoms, including fever, loss of appetite, stomatitis, and respiratory difficulty.

Based on the current verification results, the active chlorine component volatilized from the hypochlorous acid solution is expected to have suppressive effects on canine distemper viruses and feline herpesviruses that have adhered to floors, examination and operating tables for pets, and other surfaces.

■Verification method
Two cases were verified: one by soaking the rotary sterilization filter in a hypochlorous acid solution of approx. 100 mg/L, exposing the filter to a given amount of wind (3.8 m³/min) to volatilize the active chlorine component, and then exposing the specimens with canine distemper viruses and feline herpesviruses to the volatilized substance; and the other by not exposing the specimens to the active chlorine component (natural attenuation).

■Verification results
The effect of suppressing 99% or more of the canine distemper viruses within 120 minutes was confirmed (Figure 1). The effect of suppressing 99% or more of the feline herpesviruses within 120 minutes was confirmed (Figure 2).

*1: Solution made by electrolysis of salt water

*2: These verifications were conducted for basic research purposes and did not involve any products containing the hypochlorous acid solution.

*3: Including the SANYO Electric era