Chapter 4.14.

General recommendations on
disinfection and disinsectisation

Article 4.14.1.

Veterinary Authorities are requested to draw up regulations in their respective countries concerning the use of disinfectants and insecticides on the basis of the principles described below:

1. The choice of disinfectants and of procedures for disinfection should be made taking into account the causal agents of infection and the nature of the premises, vehicles and objects which are to be treated.

2. Disinfectants and insecticides should be authorised only after thorough tests have been carried out under field condition.

3. The following should be considered:

   1. few universal disinfectants exist;

   2. whereas hypochlorite, which is very often used, may be regarded as a universal disinfectant, its effectiveness is diminished by prolonged storage and it is therefore necessary to check its activity before use; a concentration of 0.5% active chlorine appears necessary for satisfactory disinfection;

   3. foot and mouth disease virus is easily destroyed by a high or low pH but the disinfectants used may be caustic or corrosive in concentrated form;

   4. tubercle bacillus is very resistant to disinfectants and a high concentration is required to destroy the organism, as well as prolonged action;

   5. no matter what substances are used, disinfection techniques should comprise the following:

      1. thorough soaking of bedding and litter as well as faecal matter with the disinfectant;

      2. washing and cleaning by careful brushing and scrubbing of the ground, floors and walls;

      3. then further washing with the disinfectant;

      4. washing and disinfecting the outside of vehicles; these procedures will be carried out, if possible, with liquids applied under pressure and the washing, disinfecting or destroying of articles used for tying up the animals (ropes, reins, etc.) should not be omitted.