Evaluation of layer cage cleaning and disinfection regimens

Abstract

Layer cage cleaning and disinfection are important for disease prevention; however, published research is limited. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of commonly used products on soiled layer cages. Trial one was conducted at a university poultry research farm, and trial two was completed in a commercial pullet house. All products were mixed according to manufacturer recommendations. Treatments consisted of a negative control, a low-pressure water rinse (LPWR, garden hose), a high-pressure water rinse (HPWR, power washer), a soap, a chlorinated cleaner, a quaternary ammonium, a glutaraldehyde, a peroxyacetic acid, a phenolic, a potassium peroxymonosulfate, a hydrogen peroxide, and a quaternary/glutaraldehyde blend product. Swabs of cage floors were collected post treatment to determine if bacterial loads were reduced (P < 0.05) as compared to the appropriate controls. Aerobic bacteria were significantly reduced by 4 disinfectants in trial one and by all 7 disinfectants in trial two as compared to the HPWR control. No treatment in the first trial decreased (P < 0.05) coliforms or Staphylococcus spp. when compared to untreated control cages and the HPWR. However, reduction (P < 0.05) of coliforms and Staphylococcus spp. were observed with all disinfectants in trial two. Two disinfectant products reduced (P < 0.05) Pseudomonas spp. in trial one, and 5 disinfectant products reduced Pseudomonas spp. in trial two. These data suggest that characteristics of cleaning and disinfection regimens can vary significantly and should be taken into consideration when choosing a chemistry for disinfecting agricultural surfaces.