How to sharpen
a knife
Sharp blades should be smooth.
A steel can be used between grindings to keep your knife "sharp".
The steel's true function is to smooth out any imperfections in the knife's
edge created with use.
To sharpen a knife with steel hold the steel in your left hand (if right
handed) and the knife in your right hand. Hold the knife at a 15-degree
angle, edge on the steel. Gently slide the knife toward you while moving
it to the right, so you end at the knife's tip. Repeat the process with
the other side of the knife. Be sure to use gentle strokes when sharpening
with the steel. If used too harshly, the knife could be damaged by the steel.
It will be necessary to grind your knife after every one or two necropsies
performed.
Watch where your knife is at all times.
Watch where
you are standing at all times.
Be sure to place your feet under the animal's hide in order not to slip.
Use caution when working on smooth concrete when it gets wet with water
and/or blood.
Always be cautious
of disease.
Not only should you be cautious of passing disease to other animals, but
many diseases can also affect humans. Always wear protective clothing (coveralls,
boots, gloves, etc..) when doing any necropsy. The use of good hygiene practices
will greatly reduce the risk of infection and spread of disease.
Clean hands, coverall, boots, and area before contact with other animals or people.
Examples
of Types of disinfectants
There are many disinfectants on the market, so it is important to know what
each is active against. 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 water used is not able to contact the animal pens or feed areas.
The following are
just a few examples of disinfectants you may want to 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 (eg. the causitive
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
-
Active against most bacteria including spore forming bacteria and Mycobacterium.
Can be used in the presence of a small amount of organic matter.
Quaternary Ammonium
-
Active against most bacteria, except Mycobacterium. Will also act
against some viruses.
Activity is greatly reduced by the presence of organic matter.
Chlorhexidine
-
Active against most bacteria and fungi, but not against spore forming bacteria
or viruses.
Activity greatly reduced by the presence of organic matter.
Hydrogen peroxide
-
Active against bacteria, spore forming bacteria and viruses.
Virkon-
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 at 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.
Check to see what microorganisms the chemical is active against. The best chemicals are active against Pseudomonas, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus. These are usually labeled for hospital use. Those that are labeled for industrial use will also work well.