Written by Kelly Montgomery- Key Account Manager, Integrated Protein (Swine/Poultry)
Proper label application rates of disinfectants are critical to obtaining the desired effect of a disinfectant’s purpose. Overuse and underuse are both issues that should be addressed.
I have heard variations on the following three statements, multiple times in my extended career: “A little works, so more is better!” or “ The label says x is the right amount, but I think they are overestimating how much to use, so let’s use half!” or “It’s too hard to change tips from what I was doing before!”
That mentality is rarely, if ever, correct, especially when considering the use of disinfectants in swine facilities. Disinfectants are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Following label directions is the responsibility of the end user. Using less than or more than the label amounts or dilution is a violation. Always follow the label directions.
Overuse and off label use of these products, not only is a violation, but can or may have potential negative effects such as the following: (this is only a partial list):
1. Added costs: For example: if a product costs $35 per gallon and the label lists to use 0.5 ounce of product per gallon of stock solution, your estimated cost per gallon of stock solution would be about $0.137. If you were to use 2 ounces per gallon, your estimated cost per gallon of stock solution would be about $0.547. That’s 4 times more costly than if you used the product at labeled rate and potentially less effective. For a typical 60 crate farrowing room using the above gallon cost, your cost would be about $20.57 at 0.5 ounce rate (label rate), or $82.28 using the 2 ounce rate. If you average 13 turns per room per year, this would be an additional $802.23 per room per year.
2. Discoloration or film on walls, vehicles, and equipment: Most, if not all disinfectants have ingredients added to them to adhere to surfaces to achieve contact time, so proper activation and disinfection can occur. You may potentially have less efficacy of the product due to film or buildup.
3. Foaming pits or inactivation of critical bacteria for proper pit health: Overuse of disinfectants can lead to improper pit health. “Good” bacteria are essential for pit health; excessive product use may cause “runoff” into the pit, thus potentially having a negative effect on bacteria essential for proper breakdown of organic material. This disruption within the pit environment allows separate bacterial populations to thrive in conditions favorable for foam development.
4. Employee safety may be jeopardized.
Under use and off label use of these products can or may have the following potential negative effects (this is only a partial list):
1. Less efficacy of products: These products have been tested for efficacy on different bacteria and viruses at label usage rates.
2. Unrealistic cost savings: If the disinfectant isn’t at full strength what may look like cost savings may be just the opposite.A disinfectant diluted below label use levels may fail to provide the efficacy against labeled viruses and bacteria. Remember most disinfectants are tested to find the lowest usage level to achieve effectiveness for the viruses and bacteria on their label.
Conclusion/Takeaways:
Always use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Follow label directions for proper disinfection dilution rates. Only those viruses and bacteria that have been tested for that disinfectant are listed on the label. Do not assume that other viruses or bacteria will be controlled. Using less or more disinfectant than the labeled rates, does not provide better protection or cost savings. By following label directions and choosing a proven disinfectant, like Synergize® at just ½ oz per gallon for all labeled pathogens, producers can protect animal health, strengthen biosecurity, maintain safety of personnel, and maximize the value of every gallon mixed.
