Disinfecting equine facilities.

This research paper evaluates the effectiveness of different disinfectants in eradicating disease causing pathogens in horse farms. The study finds that phenolic disinfectants and 10% iodophors have been proven to effectively control disease outbreaks, whereas the readily available quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorhexidine, bleach and pine oil, were found less effective.

Challenges in Disinfecting Equine Premises

• Farm managers find the disinfection of horse facilities challenging due to the diversity of potentially infected surfaces and a broad range of horse pathogens.
• The diseases which present the most difficulty in control through disinfection include rotavirus diarrhoea, salmonellosis and strangles.

Effectiveness of Different Disinfectants

• The study reveals that phenolic disinfectants are scientifically proven to be effective in disinfecting areas with organic matter and are also virucidal (able to kill or inactivate viruses).
• These disinfectants have been found highly effective in controlling disease outbreaks when used after thorough cleaning and rinsing of stable surfaces.
• The study also highlights the effectiveness of 10% iodophors in disinfection. These substances serve dual purposes – for washing hands and cleaning equipment, and are also known to be virucidal and bactericidal, meaning they are able to kill bacteria.

Ineffectiveness of Commercially Available Disinfectants

• On the other hand, the research points out that Quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorhexidine, bleach, and pine oil—commonly available commercial disinfectants—are ineffective in disinfecting equine facilities.
• The reason given for their ineffectiveness is their inability to work effectively in the presence of organic matter typically encountered on horse farms.

Conclusion

• The paper concludes with the recommendation that farm managers should prioritize the use of disinfectants that are scientifically proven to be effective such as phenolic disinfectants and 10% iodophors, rather than relying on readily available commercial disinfectants that have been found ineffective.
• It suggests that a proper process of cleaning, rinsing, and then disinfecting surfaces with effective disinfectants is key in controlling disease outbreaks in equine facilities.