When University of Minnesota researchers decided to study best practices in hog operations for the use of ultraviolet (UV) germicidal chambers—also called UV boxes—they made a surprising discovery.
Of the 48 operations they evaluated across the Midwest last year, only one was successfully eliminating E. coli on a controlled sample.
“What we found is that producers have this cool technology, but no one has an instruction manual on using it in real practical ways,” says Montserrat Torremorell, an associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Torremorell notes that placing items in the box so they have direct exposure to the UV light is one of the most important things producers can do to ensure sanitation is achieved. Yet, not doing that is a common error.
“Producers will put their cell phone inside a plastic sandwich bag to keep it clean and then put it in the chamber, for instance. You wouldn’t think that would be an issue, but the light can’t penetrate the clear plastic,” Torremorell notes.
Along with that, Torremorell says producers need to clean their box regularly to ensure it works properly. “Even dust can keep it from properly sanitizing items,” she says.
“You also don’t want two items in the box to be touching or stacked,” she adds.
Katelyn Rieland, who worked on the project as a DVM student, developed the acronym “NO PRRS” to help producers remember the most important factors contributing to effective decontamination in a chamber:
- New bulbs regularly
- Organize routine cleanings of UV chamber
- Place items in direct exposure to the UV chamber light
- Rotate objects based on bulb placement
- Reflective side walls
- Safety first
Torremorell and her team have created a practical “how to” video (just over 2 minutes in length) to use the boxes effectively. Producers can view it here.
