4.9 Major advantages and disadvantages of main chemical disinfectant groups Chemical disinfectant group Inactivation by organic matter Wetting ability Temperature tolerance Effect of hard water Effectiveness against mineral deposits Residual activity Foaming characteristics Inhibitors Acids Stable Good Wide; some loss at very low temperatures Low Effective Slight residual bacteriostatic activity Low Cationic surfactants Very low temperatures Chlorine compounds Loses activity rapidly None Wide None unless alkaline None Limited Nil Organic matter High pH Iodophores Moderate to high loss of activity Moderate to good, depending on formulation 5–40°C activity below 50°C, and gives off gases above 120°C Moderate Limited, dependent on pH of formulation Some Moderate, dependent on formulation Hard water Organic matter Temperature extremes High pH Peracid solutions Low to moderate loss of activity Dependent on product formulation Wide None Limited effect due to acid nature Some Low, unless combined with a surfactant Copper, iron, manganese and chloride ions Chlorine dioxide Low to moderate loss of activity None Wide None None Some Nil Aldehydes Stable None Moderate; off fumes at higher temperatures None None Some Nil Quaternary ammonium compounds Moderate to stable Good Stable Inactivated by hard water None Some High Very low temperatures Anionic detergents or wetting agents Key: Poor working characteristics Acceptable working characteristics Good working characteristics
Glossary Aquaculture establishment An establishment used for the culture and production of fish species. Establishments may be classified as open, semi-open, semi-closed or closed systems. Refer to the AQUAVETPLAN Enterprise Manual for further details. AQUAVETPLAN Australian Aquatic Veterinary Emergency Plan. A series of technical response plans that describe the proposed Australian approach to an emergency aquatic animal disease incident. See also AUSVETPLAN AUSVETPLAN Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan. A series of technical response that describe the proposed Australian approach to an animal disease emergency incident. The documents provide guidance based on sound analysis, linking policy, strategies, implementation, coordination and emergency-management plans. Biofilter A structure through which water is circulated and containing a large surface area substrate on which bacteria suitable for the conversion of ammonia to nitrate are grown. Biofilters may be small compact units, as in small aquaria, or large towers, as seen in commercial hatcheries. Cleaning The process of removing ‘soil’ from equipment, personnel and infrastructure. Composting The aerobic breakdown of organic material by biological processes. Control area A buffer between the restricted area and areas free from disease. Restrictions on this area will reduce the likelihood of the disease spreading further afield. As the extent of the outbreak is confirmed, the control area may reduce in size. The shape of the area may be modified according to circumstances, such as water flows, catchment limits, etc. In most cases, permits will be required to move animals and specified product out of the control area into the free area. Critical disease control Any point within a process or area identified as being critical in limiting the spread of disease. Dangerous contact premises or area That which has had a direct, and possibly infectious, contact with an infected premises or area. The type of contact will depend on the agent involved in the outbreak but, for example, may involve animal movements or net/equipment movements. Decontamination A combination of physical and chemical procedures that are used to remove soiling and inactivate the target disease organism. Destocking The process of removing some or all livestock from an aquaculture facility.