A warning on just how ineffective the use of inadequate disinfectant techniques can be, has been issued by ACMC veterinary consultant, Paul Thompson.
The negatives attached to using buckets, instead of proper foot dips, and the need to be aware of the dilution factor in relation to external dips, are key points raised by Mr Thompson.
“Disinfectant foot dips are a useful tool in preventing disease entering a pig farm and reducing the spread within the unit, but only if used properly,” he said. “Dips need to be big enough to allow a large wellie to be fully inserted while buckets frequently mean only the toe is dipped.”
He also said that disinfectant solutions should be made to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and changed frequently, with staff being fully aware of how much disinfectant should be added to any given dip.
“It should also be borne in mind that external dips can be diluted rapidly by rainwater and that disinfectants only work on a clean surface,” he said.