Disinfectants and contact time
The function of disinfectants is to decrease the bacterial loading of a surface (eg calf feeding equipment, calf shed bedding, calf trailer, cow teats, gumboots, etc) and thereby reduce the bacterial challenge and so reduce the risk of disease to animals that come in contact with that surface.
Contact time is a vital component of the disinfection process. The time that a surface or organism is exposed to a disinfectant and its concentration for the task at hand will be key factors in achieving an acceptable level of kill. It is essential that a disinfectant is given the highest chance possible of making effective contact. This implies the removal of dirt, grime and organic matter (mud, faeces, etc). Disinfection will not work to maximum effect in the presence of high levels of organic matter.
Pre-cleaning the surface to be disinfected is regarded as fundamental if truly effective disinfection is to be achieved. Dipping your dirty gumboot into a grossly soiled bucket of disinfectant does nothing more than give the boot wearer a feeling of misplaced wellbeing. It is not possible to state categorically what will be an appropriate contact time under all conditions, but the longer the better. For example, clean gumboots immersed in a 1:50 solution of Tri-Gene disinfectant for 10 minutes will suffice. Dubious gumboots, on the other hand, will need 30 minutes in a 1:30 solution to achieve the same result.
Totally Vets can provide you with sound advice on suitable disinfectants for your farming operation. Calf rearing is a special case so it is worth talking to us to help identify and avoid the pitfalls.
