Disinfectants: Why We Use Them and How Can We Use Them Better

In general, there are 3 ways to inactivate or kill swine pathogens in the environment: time, temperature, and disinfectants. Many viruses and bacteria can survive for long periods of time, especially when organic matter is present. Similarly, we cannot effectively heat a barn up high enough to inactivate pathogens. This leaves us with chemical disinfectants to break the cycle of disease. The selection of a disinfectant is based on a number of factors:

• Mode of Action: The mode of action determines the types of pathogens that are inactivated by the disinfectant
• Stability: Some disinfectants can be inactivated by environmental factors like: hard water, presence of organic matter, or exposure to UV light
• Additional properties: Some disinfectants contain degreasers that can help break down organic material, or may foam better in order to achieve better coverage and increase contact time.

Getting the most out of your disinfectants starts with a thorough cleaning

When we wash our barns, we need to focus on removing as much organic matter (manure, feed, urine, blood, etc.) from the barn as possible. Washing the rooms is our most effective tool to remove organic matter. Organic matter harbors viruses and bacteria, and helps protect them from elements that may harm them like heat, uv light, and chemical disinfectants.

Here are 3 keys to optimizing the removal of organic matter from our barns:

1. Thoroughly soak the barn – Soaking helps lift and soften manure or other materials for more efficient cleaning
2. Use hot water – Hot water will drastically shorten the time needed to clean a barn, as well as clean more effectively
3. Don’t miss the cracks and crevices – Under feeders, around gating, etc. is a great place for organic material to hide

Optimizing our disinfectants

With all the organic matter removed, we can then focus on applying the disinfectant. To optimize the efficacy of our disinfectants, follow these tips:

1. Make sure we are using the right concentration – Know how your powerwasher is set up to make sure it dilutes at the appropriate rate.
2. Don’t dilute the environment – Even if the concentration coming out is correct, if we apply it to areas with standing water, we can effectively dilute the disinfectant. Be sure feed pans etc. are empty to reduce this risk.
3. Use a foaming gun – These applicators can create a foam which will help the disinfectant cling to vertical surfaces, increase surface coverage, and can ensure all areas get appropriately covered.
4. Allow enough contact time – 10 minutes is a good rule of thumb to ensure your disinfectant has had enough time to work. Do not apply rinse areas or apply whitewash until the disinfectant has had enough contact time.