logoPROFESSIONAL VERSION

Practical Summary of Antiseptic and Disinfectant Use in Animals

ByDiane D. Addie, PhD, BVMS
Reviewed/Revised Jul 2022
    • Clean first, before antisepsis/disinfection

    • Use appropriate concentrations of antiseptics/disinfectants

    • Consider toxicity risk when selecting a disinfectant

    • Consider risk of microbial resistance when selecting a disinfectant

    • Train staff well and provide all necessary tools to ensure execution of correct and comprehensive antiseptic and disinfection protocols

    • To eliminate spores: use bleach, accelerated hydrogen peroxide products, steam cleaning, iodine (15 minutes' contact), formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde

    • To eliminate parvovirus: use bleach, iodine scrub, potassium peroxymonosulfate, prolonged steam cleaning

    • To eliminate feline calicivirus (FCV): use bleach, ethanol, potassium peroxymonosulfate, steam cleaning

    • To eliminate ovine footrot: use 4% formaldehyde footbath

    • To eliminate MRSA: use 90% ethanol, iodine scrub, silver nanoparticles

    • To eliminate Salmonella from hospitals: use accelerated hydrogen peroxide or potassium peroxymonosulfate

    • To eliminate E coli from hospitals: use accelerated hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, silver nanoparticles or potassium peroxymonosulfate

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