Examples of Types of Disinfectants

It is important to thoroughly clean the calving area and neonatal calf pens to help prevent contamination or spread of infection to the newborn calf and dam.

There are many disinfectants on the market that vary in their effectiveness against different microorganisms. It is best to choose one that kills a wide spectrum of microorganisms. For many disinfectants, it is necessary to wash away large amounts of organic material (blood, feces, tissue, etc.…) for the chemical to work properly.
Be sure that any run off does not contact the animal pens or feed areas.
The following are just a few examples of disinfectants you may utilize.
All of these compounds may cause damage to your skin or eyes and may be fatal if swallowed. Handle all of these chemicals with care.

• Phenolics -
  General disinfectant. These are active against most bacteria except for spore
  forming bacteria, such as Anthrax and Clostridium. Some viruses may be
  sensitive to these compounds.
  

• Alkalis -
  Examples: Lye, Lime, and Sodium Carbonate
  These act against most bacteria as well as spore forming bacteria (i.e. Anthrax,
  Clostridium) as well as some viruses.
  

• Chlorine compounds -
  Hypochlorites -
  Examples: Sodium hypochlorite and Chlorinated lime
  These chemicals have a wide antibacterial spectrum, but have little activity against spore forming bacteria and Mycobacterium (e.g.. the causative agent of Johne's disease). They are active against viruses and protozoa as well.
  The activity of the chemical is greatly reduced by organic material and high pH (Alkali environments).
  

• Chloramine -
  This is active against most bacteria including spore forming bacteria and Mycobacterium and can be used in the presence of a small amount of organic matter.
  

• Quaternary Ammonium -
  This is active against most bacteria, except Mycobacterium and will also act
  against some viruses.
  Its activity is greatly reduced by the presence of organic matter.
  

• Chlorhexidine -
  This is active against most bacteria and fungi, but not against spore forming bacteria or viruses.
  Its activity is greatly reduced by the presence of organic matter.
  

• Hydrogen peroxide -
  This is active against bacteria, spore forming bacteria and viruses.
  

• Virkon-
  This is active against many viruses, bacteria including some spore forming bacteria such as Clostridium, and fungi.

Tips on Reading a Disinfectant Label

There are many chemicals on the market that claim to be a disinfectant, so it is important to know what to look for on the label to find out if the chemical is the best to use.
The first thing you should do is look for an EPA registration number. This shows that the disinfectant has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Next check to see if it has been tested with hard water and in 5% plasma. This will tell you if the disinfectant will work on organic material or if you need to thoroughly clean the area prior to the use of the disinfectant. However, reducing organic matter in the area is always advisable.
Check to see against what microorganisms the chemical is active. It is best to buy chemicals that are active against Pseudomonas, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus. These are usually labeled for hospital use.