Evaluation of the efficacy of a peroxygen compound, Virkon S, as a boot bath disinfectant

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of a 1% solution of Virkon(R)S as a boot bath disinfectant. Methods: After contaminating a boot with pig manure, the examiner either stepped through a boot bath of 1% Virkon(R)S; stood in a boot bath of 1% Virkon(R)S for 2 minutes; scrubbed the boot for 30 seconds in a boot bath of 1% Virkon(R)S; or scrubbed the boot for 30 seconds in a water bath and then stepped through a boot bath of 1% Virkon(R)S. Untreated, contaminated boots, and boots scrubbed for 30 seconds with water alone, were also cultured. Five repetitions were performed for each treatment. A 75-mm2 (0.12-sq in) area was sampled from the sole of each boot before and after treatment. Samples were diluted and cultured. Total bacterial counts per 75-mm2 sampling area were calculated. Mean bacterial counts before and after treatments were compared. Results: Stepping through a boot bath or standing in a boot bath of 1% Virkon(R)S for 2 minutes without first removing manure from boots did not disinfect boots. Disinfection was accomplished when visible manure was removed while standing and scrubbing in a boot bath of 1% Virkon(R)S, and when visible manure was first removed with water followed by dipping boots in 1% Virkon(R)S. Implications: Removal of visible organic material from boots using a hose and (or) brush and then dipping manure-free boots in a boot bath of 1% Virkon(R)S provided an economical and practical alternative for effective use of boot baths on farms.