Effectiveness of decontamination procedures confirmed

A study conducted by scientists at the University of Georgia investigated the capacity of footbaths, protective clothing and washing of vehicle tires to reduce the spread of bacteria. Glogerm, which fluoresces under ultraviolent light, was used to detect contamination from litter.
Preliminary findings presented at a Georgia Veterinary Medical Association meeting included:
Footbaths containing disinfectant solution function by removing particulate matter from boots.
Quaternary ammonia and iodine-based compounds were found to be more effective than phenolics.
The presence of the two functional classes of compounds prevented contamination of clean boots when immersed in a foot bath containing potentially pathogenic bacteria.
Comprehensive study results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal but the current edition of the Poultry Informed Professional.
As an editorial comment, the authors of the study have provided valuable advice on reducing the risk of cross contamination within the context of U.S. farms with current levels of disease challenge.