Abstract
The objective of this research is to determine the safety and virucidal activity of different levels of Eucalyptus-peppermint essential oil (Mentofin (R)) against Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) and NewCastle disease virus (NDV) in presence and absence of 1 % skim milk. All five concentrations of Mentofin (R) (2.78x10-3, 2.78x10-2, 2.78x10-1, 2.78, 13.9, and 27.8%) were safe when administered in 0.1 ml/chick embryo, resulting in 100% survival of embryoes. The virucidal activity against AIV started at the Mentofin (R) concentration of 2.78x10-1 % and 30 minutes contact time at room temperature, only in the absence of skim milk. The complete virucidal activity in presence and absence of skim milk, against AIV and NDV occurred at the 2.78%, and 13.9%, respective concentration of Mentofin (R), using the 30 minutes-contact time. The need for a higher concentration of essential oil to inactivate the NDV (13.9%) in comparison to a lower concentration needed to inactivate the AIV (2.78%) is discussed at the level of differences in the structure of the two viruses.