Disinfection

A Practical Guide to Disinfection in the Aviary and Home

by Dave McCluggage, DVM

Disinfectants are chemicals that kill or inactivate microbial organisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi. There are a large number of different types on the market. I will not try to discuss all of the various ones, instead I intend to cover a few of the most appropriate ones available and when to use them.

First, it is important to understand that no disinfection program can replace proper aviary design; which includes quarantine facilities for new birds, prevention of cross contamination between cages, and wholesome food and water sources. Disinfectants are not intended to replace routine cleaning, either. Deeping the aviary cleaned up on a daily basis is far more effective in preventing infections. Indoor aviaries must keep the air free of dust and fumes using exhaust fans and air filters. How often should we disinfect the aviary? There is certainly a lot of controversy as to when or how often it is neccessary to use a disinfectant. Everything that follows is my opinion, and not backed up by solid research data. First, I do not think there is any reason to use any disinfectant routinely in a private home that has a few birds in a relatively closed collection. I would actually recommend against using a disinfectant in this situation for two reasons. First, a reasonable exposure to bacteria and viruses is healthy for the proper functioning of the immune system. Second, disinfectants are detrimental to the environment. They are toxic to animal and plant life and tend to produce microbes that become resistant to them.

Appropriate use of disinfectants are beneficial to us all, and their use, when needed, far outweighs any potential environmental effects. They should be routinely employed in aviary collections and in homes that have potential for pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria to be introduced. The would include people that work with lots of birds, like myself, and when new birds come into homes.

The best time to use a disinfectant is in cleaning fomites. A fomite is anything that can carry a microbe to a susceptible individual. Good examples include hands, clothes, shoes, food and water bowls, food processing surfaces, feeding syringes and the like. Before a disinfectant is used, washing with soap and water is required. In fact, you can expect to remove 95% of all microbes through adequate washing. Automatic dishwashers are extremely effective in cleaning cups, again far better than just disinfecting them without thorough cleaning prior to the distinction.

Don't forget to wash your own hands, either. Numerous studies in hospitals have confirmed the fact that simply washing your hands frequently will be exceptionally effective in preventing infections.

If one is experienceing a problem with infections, then they should use a good disinfectant to clean everything. This should be done every other day. Wholesale and retail stores, aviaries that have a constant flow of birds in and out (by constant, I mean a new bird every month or so), and facilities that have construction problems (e.g., carpet floors, cages next to or on top of each other) should use disinfectants routinely.

Disinfectants are only effective when used properly. This means, among other things, correctly diluting the stock solution and then leaving the disinfectant in contact with the surface to be disinfected for a period of time. This "contact time" varies by the disinfectant but usually is from 5-10 minutes. Without adequate contact time, no disinfectant will work.

TYPES OF DISINFECTANTS

Good disinfectants include chlorine (bleach), Roccal, Wavicide, Betadine, Nolvasan, and a multitude of others.

Commonly used "disinfectants" that are not good include Lysol, hydrogen peroxide, and most of the grocery store bought household disinfectants that are intended to clean up kitchens and bathrooms.

CHLORINE (regular household bleach) is a very effective disinfectant, and one of the few that can kill protozoans such as giardia. It should be used in a dilution of 1 part bleach to 32 parts water. It must stay in contact for about 10 minutes to assure disinfection. It is the least expensive disinfectant available. There are two major problems with chlorine. It is harmful to the respiratory system to a certain degree, so it must be used with adequate ventilation. More serious for most people is that it is very corrosive to metal surfaces. Routine use of chlorine will seriously decrease the life expectancy of metal cages and cups.

CHLORHEXADINE (Nolvasan) is one of the best products to use routinely. Although more expensive than chlorine, it does not harm metal surfaces and is very safe for your birds. When applied, it must remain in contact for about 5 minutes. It is not effective against giardia, and does not work well against some viruses and bacteria (e.g. pseudomonas). It is particularly good to be used when disinfecting beding, syringes, bowls, and food processing equipment.

FORMALDEHYDE PRODUCTS, such as Wavicide, are the most effective products, and can even kill bacterial spores which are often resistant to other products. They are very effective against viruses and bacteria that are often resistant to other products. Their use is limited, however, because they are extremely toxic to birds, both when ingested or inhaled. I recommend that their use be limited to situations when other products are known to be ineffective (e.g., chronic pseudomonas infections).

QUARTEMMY AMMONIUM compounds are excellent for routine use. A typical product is called Roccal-D. Roccal is intended to be a one step clean and disinfectant product. Thus it's major advantage is that you do not need to clean the surface prior to disinfecting. After cleaning and disinfecting with Roccal, you must thoroughly rinse the surface, since this product is toxic to birds. It is also fairly harsh to your hands when used habitually. It tends to be more effective than Nolvasan, and is a good one step clean and disinfecting product.

The most effective disinfectants are usually very toxic to birds and people. They tend to be highly corrosive as well. One such product is called One Stroke Environ. It cleans and disinfects with one application, but must be throroughly rinsed from any surface a bird comes in contact with. It must be used with good ventilation as well.

I recommend that for routine use, chlorine or Nolvasan is adequate. For resistant bacteria and chronic problems, use Wavicide or a similar product. When dealing with a severe problem, such as an epidemic outbreak, floors and walls can be disinfected with a product such as One Stroke.

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