Iodophors are effective against bacteria, fungi, and many viruses. In hatcheries, iodine is used on equipment and walls, and for water disinfection. Iodine is the least toxic of the disinfectants discussed here. Many iodine products can stain clothing and porous surfaces. Hypochlorites Chlorine compounds are good disinfectants on clean surfaces, but are quickly inactivated by dirt.
Chlorine is effective against bacteria and many viruses.
These compounds are also much more active in warm water than in cold water. Chlorine solutions can be somewhat irritating to skin and corrosive to metal. They are relatively inexpensive. Oxidizing Agents Hydrogen peroxide and other oxidizing agents, like peracetic acid and propionic acids or acid peroxygen systems are used in commercial poultry operations. They are active against bacteria, bacterial spores, viruses, and fungi at quite low concentrations.