Practical Summary of Antiseptic and Disinfectant Use in Animals

Clean first, before antisepsis/disinfection

Use appropriate concentrations of antiseptics/disinfectants

Consider toxicity risk when selecting a disinfectant

Consider risk of microbial resistance when selecting a disinfectant

Train staff well and provide all necessary tools to ensure execution of correct and comprehensive antiseptic and disinfection protocols

To eliminate spores: use bleach, accelerated hydrogen peroxide products, steam cleaning, iodine (15 minutes' contact), formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde

To eliminate parvovirus: use bleach, iodine scrub, potassium peroxymonosulfate, prolonged steam cleaning

To eliminate feline calicivirus (FCV): use bleach, ethanol, potassium peroxymonosulfate, steam cleaning

To eliminate ovine footrot: use 4% formaldehyde footbath

To eliminate MRSA: use 90% ethanol, iodine scrub, silver nanoparticles

To eliminate Salmonella from hospitals: use accelerated hydrogen peroxide or potassium peroxymonosulfate

To eliminate E coli from hospitals: use accelerated hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, silver nanoparticles or potassium peroxymonosulfate