Swine Barns A number of important criteria must be considered when selecting an appropriate and effective disinfectant. Be packaged in such a form and concentration that they are easy to transport, mix and economical to use Have a high fast-acting antimicrobial potency even in heavily contaminated areas. The following is a brief description of several of the more widely used disinfectants. The effectiveness of all of the disinfectants discussed here is greatly improved by a thorough pre-cleaning of all surfaces with a high pressure sprayer with a good detergent. In order to appropriately discuss the subject of disinfection, a brief definition of terms is necessary.
Sterilization is the use of a physical or chemical procedure to destroy all forms of microbial life.
Disinfection is generally a less lethal process in that bacterial endospores are often not inactivated without very long exposure to highly concentrated disinfectant chemicals. An antiseptic is defined as a germicide that is used on living tissue for the purpose of inhibiting or destroying micro- organisms. Some germicides can be used both as disinfectants and as antiseptics. Formaldehyde can be used as a fumigant to decontaminate all surfaces of a building, if that building can be tightly sealed. It has a broad spectrum of activity and is highly effective, however it must be used carefully due to the irritating fumes and potential explosiveness.