Keeping biosecurity sound for poultry and livestock is key with rising risk or disease. The boot wash you choose can be a very cool tool if conditions are right. Here are the things to consider:
Type of sanitizer:
We researched over nine types of chemicals that are used as sanitizers. They vary in terms of germ-killing power. Some kill gram positive bacteria, some gram positive and gram negative bacteria and others also include viruses. Most livestock and poultry owners will require all three.
Organic matter:
Organic matter will impact the efficacy of most boot washes. Therefore, it is important to mechanically remove manure, bedding and soil from footwear before using the boot wash.
Temperature:
The ambient temperature impacts boot wash effectiveness. Ensure that the boot wash station placement is within the sanitizing agent-active temperature range.
Rate of solution:
It is also important to understand how much active ingredient must be used in solution to maintain effectiveness. Most come in concentrated form. Please be aware of any events that may cause dilution i.e. if boot wash station is located outside unshielded from the elements.
Editor’s tip: Always have dedicated footwear for working with poultry and livestock.
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