Increase On-Farm Hygiene: Recommended Products

FarmCo Team
August 9, 2023

In 2022 we were all aware of the Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) situation in Indonesia and while we all carried on with our respective businesses in Western Australia, farm hygiene was on the radar.

For customers looking at ramping up their farm hygiene and cleanliness practices (particularly good if you have visitors from far afield), we have created a list of disinfectant products we recommend. While none of these products actually control Foot-and-mouth disease, they do improve on-farm hygiene management and kill bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Coopers Hibitane Disinfectant: Liquid Disinfectant

This product contains chlorhexidine gluconate, one of the most widely used and effective disinfectants and germicides. Coopers Hibitane is commonly used as a disinfectant at lamb marking, for disinfecting shearing shed floors and to prevent a build-up of bacteria in sheep dips. This product is available in 5L, 10L and 20 litre quantities.

The advantages of this product are:

It can control a wide range of bacteria even in the presence of foreign matter.
It does not irritate the skin or airways (goggles should be used though because it does irritate the eyes).

Coopers Hibitane is diluted at a ratio that varies between 1:10, 1:50 and 1:500 depending on how the disinfectant is being used.

Shop Coopers Hibitane Disinfectant here.

Zagro WSD-Ultraxide: Liquid Disinfectant

Ultraxide is a potent liquid disinfectant containing glutaraldehyde and benzalkonium chloride. It provides control over pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses such as Foot-and-mouth disease, Gumboro Virus, Newcastle Disease and Swine Vesicular Disease. It’s available in 1L, 5L, 20L, and 200L quantities.

This product has numerous advantages:

It has the ability to protect against a wide range of bacteria and viruses.
It can be used where organic matter is present (such as in human/animal footbath and foot mat situations).
It can be used with hard and soft water.
It also doesn’t corrode or stain farm infrastructure and produces a pleasant smell.
The residue lasts up to a week.

Abbey Animal Health Virkill Farm Fluid S: Liquid Disinfectant

This is a powerful broad-spectrum multipurpose liquid disinfectant containing a blend of organic acids, surfactants, and high and low molecular weight biocides (high boiling tar acid, acetic acid and cresylic acid). It’s available in 20L drums.

The advantages of this product include:

It’s a cost-effective option.
It can be used where organic matter is present (such as in footbaths and mats).
It is effective in saline and hard water.

Abbey Animal health Neogen Viroxide Super: Powdered Disinfectant

This is a strong multipurpose peroxygen based powdered disinfectant, which is very similar to the Virkon S powdered disinfectant product. Neogen Viroxide Super comes in 1kg, 2.5kg, 5kg and 10kg quantities.

The advantages of this product include:

Longer shelf life than liquid disinfectant.
It can be used with hard and soft water.

It’s important to note that the above three disinfectants are diluted at a ratio that ranges from 1:100 to 1:400 in protecting against FMD depending on how the disinfectant is being used.

As with all agricultural chemicals, personal safety is a priority. The above disinfectant products are all acidic and capable of irritating the nose, throat, eyes, and skin so we recommend wearing personal protective equipment, such as PVC gloves, half face respirator and eye goggles when using them.

Set up a footbath

One way to manage the risk of dirty footwear carrying pests or disease onto your farm is by checking, cleaning, and disinfecting. The Farm Biosecurity website has a useful article on this topic, and it includes instructions on how to set up your own footbath.

If you have any questions about these chemicals and disinfectants, or disease management, please give us a call on 9651 1312 or drop in to our Moora or Yerecoin store. We are an independent local family-owned Western Australia rural store, and we love sharing our knowledge and experience with our customers.