Disinfectants

EXTREME WARNING: NEVER MIX AMMONIA AND BLEACH. THIS CREATES CHLORINE GAS WHICH IS DEADLY TO HUMANS AND ANIMALS.

Introduction to Disinfectants 

• Parvovirus is an especially hardy virus which can survive on surfaces for a very long time if not properly cleaned and disinfected.

• Measuring devices should be used to make proper disinfectant dilutions for best results. Stronger concentrations will not necessarily kill more organisms and may harm animals and humans

  • Many disinfectants are inactivated by organic materials. Follow the steps to disinfecting below:

    • 1. Mechanically remove all visible organic material (feces, food, etc)

      2. Scrub kennel/surface with warm water and a detergent (soap, certain disinfectants). These first two steps removes 90% of pathogens

      3. Chemically remove (kill) virus with disinfectant: spray onto clean and relatively dry surface for appropriate contact time

Effective vs Ineffective Disinfectants

DISINFECTANTS/METHODS

*Note: Despite label claims, Quaternary Ammoniums such as Roccal were not effective against parvo when independent studies were done.

Definitions

Detergent - A cleansing agent; able to emulsify oils, hold dirt in suspension, and act as wetting agents

Disinfectant - An agent that frees from infection; especially a chemical that destroys vegetative forms of harmful miroorganisms especially on inanimate objects

Pathogen -  a specific causitive agent of disease (virus, bacteria)

Contact Time - length of time a disinfectant's label states that it must remain wet on a surface in order to achieve efficacy

Bleach

• Active ingredient: Sodium Hypochlorite

• Significantly inactivated by organic material

• No effects as a detergent

• Contact time: 10 minutes

• Stable for 30 days if stored properly: loses effectiveness with light exposure - use opaque spray bottle to increase shelf-life

For parvovirus, bleach must be diluted 1 part bleach and 30 parts water. This is a ratio of 1:30.

For ringworm, bleach must be diluted 1:10. Ringworm has fungal spores which are much more resistant and requires a stronger concentration.