What are the most common disinfectants used in veterinary facilities?

If you work in a veterinary facility, you know how important it is to keep the environment clean and safe for both animals and humans. Disinfectants are essential tools to prevent the spread of pathogens and infections, but not all disinfectants are the same. In this article, you will learn about the most common disinfectants used in veterinary facilities, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to use them properly.

1 Types of disinfectants

There are many types of disinfectants available, but some of the most common ones used in veterinary facilities are alcohols, aldehydes, biguanides, halogens, oxidizing agents, phenols, and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). Each type has a different spectrum of activity, meaning that they can kill or inhibit different kinds of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or spores. Some disinfectants are also more effective in certain conditions, such as pH, temperature, or organic matter.

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Dr Sudesh Kumar Dedar

Co Founder & Editor in Chief Bio Vet Innovator Magazine Senior Research Fellow at National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, National Research Center on Equines, Hisar | M.V.Sc. Animal Biotechnology (Gold Medal)
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Bleach is indeed one of the most common and economical disinfectants. It is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When properly diluted, bleach can be used to sanitize surfaces and eliminate pathogens. It's important to use bleach cautiously, following recommended dilution ratios and safety guidelines, as it can be corrosive and harmful if not handled properly. Other like hydrogen peroxide, alcohol-based solutions, and quaternary ammonium compounds are also commonly used for disinfection, each with its own advantages and considerations. The choice depends on factors such as the type of surface, the specific pathogens targeted, and any safety or environmental considerations.

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Kara Xu

Veterinary Endoscope Latin American Market - Regional Sales Manager
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We can classify the disinfectants for different applications: A. For the instruments. (1) Glutaraldehyde o OPA: I put the two solutions together as they are similar in effectiveness, suitable for delicate instruments like endoscope. They can effectively eliminates bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, making it ideal for sterilizing surgical instruments etc. (2) Hydrogen peroxide: A safer alternative, which is effective against most bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It breaks down into water and oxygen, leaving no harmful residues. But it is not suitable for heat-sensitive instruments (3) Alcohol (70%): Effective against bacteria and some viruses, normally for quick disinfection of thermometers, stethoscopes, and other non-invasive equipment.

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2 Factors to consider

When choosing a disinfectant for a veterinary facility, you need to consider several factors, such as the type and level of contamination, the surface or material to be disinfected, the contact time and concentration of the disinfectant, the safety and compatibility of the disinfectant, and the cost and availability of the disinfectant. For example, alcohols are fast-acting and inexpensive, but they can damage some plastics and rubber. Aldehydes are very effective against spores and viruses, but they are toxic and irritating to the skin and eyes. Biguanides are gentle and non-corrosive, but they can be inactivated by hard water and soap.

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3 Disinfection protocols

To ensure that disinfection is done properly and safely, you need to follow some basic protocols, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning the surface or material before applying the disinfectant, following the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and application, allowing enough contact time for the disinfectant to work, rinsing and drying the surface or material after disinfection, and disposing of the used disinfectant safely. You also need to monitor the quality and effectiveness of the disinfectant, such as checking the expiration date, the storage conditions, and the test strips.

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4 Disinfection standards

Disinfection standards are guidelines or recommendations that help you choose the appropriate disinfectant and method for different situations and purposes. For example, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has a set of infection control guidelines that cover topics such as hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, instrument sterilization, and waste management. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has a list of disinfectants that are approved for use against specific pathogens, such as COVID-19, rabies, or parvovirus.

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5 Disinfection challenges

Disinfection is not always easy or straightforward, and you may encounter some challenges or limitations in your veterinary facility. For example, some disinfectants may not be compatible with certain surfaces or materials, or they may lose their potency over time or in the presence of organic matter. Some disinfectants may also pose health or environmental risks, such as respiratory irritation, skin sensitization, or water pollution. Some pathogens may also develop resistance or tolerance to certain disinfectants, making them harder to eliminate.

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Dr Sudesh Kumar Dedar

Co Founder & Editor in Chief Bio Vet Innovator Magazine Senior Research Fellow at National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, National Research Center on Equines, Hisar | M.V.Sc. Animal Biotechnology (Gold Medal)
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Disinfecting challenges in dairy and veterinary settings include tackling organic matter, ensuring coverage on large surfaces, addressing animal sensitivity to harsh disinfectants, combating resistant pathogens, and balancing effectiveness with environmental impact. The presence of manure requires thorough cleaning before disinfection. In veterinary practices, choosing products safe for animals is essential. Additionally, adapting protocols to emerging issues and selecting environmentally friendly disinfectants are ongoing considerations.

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6 Disinfection tips

To overcome some of the challenges and improve your disinfection practices, you can follow some tips, such as rotating or combining different types of disinfectants, using the right concentration and contact time, cleaning and rinsing thoroughly before and after disinfection, storing and handling disinfectants properly, and educating yourself and your staff on the latest disinfection techniques and standards. You can also consult with experts or professional associations for advice or assistance on disinfection issues.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most common disinfectants used in veterinary facilities?

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1 Types of disinfectants

2 Factors to consider

3 Disinfection protocols

4 Disinfection standards

5 Disinfection challenges

6 Disinfection tips

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Services

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What are the most common disinfectants used in veterinary facilities?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Types of disinfectants

2 Factors to consider

3 Disinfection protocols

4 Disinfection standards

5 Disinfection challenges

6 Disinfection tips

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Services

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