Properly conducted disinfection in livestock buildings plays an extremely important role in maintaining animal welfare. Its purpose is to help prevent the occurrence and spread of diseases, bacteria and viruses. Traditional spray disinfection using products such as Virkon S or Natusan is carried out after the animals have been removed from the building. Dry disinfection products are an excellent supplement to decontamination carried out by fogging. What distinguishes dry disinfectants from other products is the possibility of using them in the presence of animals, at any stage of the production cycle.

Dry Disinfection

There are many dry disinfectant powders available on the market, such as Dezosan Wigor and Sandezia . Dry disinfection products for livestock buildings are based mainly on the active substance chloramine-T. When it comes into contact with moisture, active chlorine is formed, which effectively reduces microorganisms present in the litter without irritating animal tissues. Selected dry disinfection products , for example, are enriched with plant extracts which have an inhalatory effect on animals and also give the premises a pleasant scent. One of the greatest advantages of disinfectant powders is that they can be used in the presence of animals, without the need to move them elsewhere. During the production cycle, hygiene should be maintained by regularly spreading dry disinfectant powder. Disinfection of the litter helps continuously reduce microorganisms that may contribute to serious diseases.

Effective Reduction of Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi and Parasites

Disinfectant powders release hypochlorite when they come into contact with moisture, which is effective against bacteria and viruses. This helps reduce the risk of infections that may cause diseases such as coccidiosis, diarrhoea, respiratory infections, mastitis and other bacterial or viral conditions. Dry disinfection is also particularly important in stables and paddocks, where it helps reduce the risk of hoof inflammation in horses. Dry disinfection agents help dry the litter, reducing the conversion of urea into ammonia, which produces harmful gases. Regular use of powders also helps reduce unpleasant odours in livestock buildings. Disinfectant powders may also have a toxic effect on fly larvae and other insects. This can significantly reduce their numbers in animal housing facilities. Regular dry disinfection combined with insect killer lamps or sticky traps may reduce the need for insecticides.

How to Carry Out Dry Disinfection

Disinfecting surfaces in poultry houses, pig barns, cattle sheds and rabbit houses can have a positive impact on animal health and performance. Animals may achieve better weight gain and make more efficient use of feed. The fattening period and the time to weaning may also be reduced. Disinfection with dry powder is not a complicated process. Simply spread the appropriate amount over the surface. Disinfectant products can be used on different types of floors, litter, slats, concrete surfaces and nests. Most products can also be used for disinfecting animal transport vehicles or feed production areas. The most important factor in effective dry disinfection is regular application. During the initial disinfection, the procedure should be carried out daily for 3 days and then repeated every 7 days. Although dry disinfection products are safe for people and animals when used correctly, care should still be taken during application. The manufacturer’s recommended dosage should not be exceeded, and this is usually around 40–100 g/m². During disinfection, it is recommended to use disposable gloves , protective goggles and a face mask .

Recommended dry disinfection products:

As a supplement to dry disinfection, periodic whitewashing of walls is recommended. You can use suitable lime for whitewashing poultry houses and livestock buildings, which forms limewash after dilution with water.