Page 104 - SpeedhorseMarch2021

VETERINARY VIEWS
While biosecurity measures are your pri- mary line of defense against introduc- tion of equine communicable diseases into your stable, hygienic practices are comple- mentary for limiting infection risk for your herd.
Even with the best of care, pathogens can slip through to infect one or more horses. Or, other horses may have visited or moved around the premises to allow entry of a communicable disease. There are times when extra precau- tions are necessary to thoroughly clean and disinfect the facility.
WHERE TO START?
The barn is a likely reservoir for infectious organisms because it is a highly trafficked area where horses and people congregate
and where equipment is used that may also have been used in other areas of the facility. Horses, people and equipment are important vectors capable of transmitting diseases to other horses. Besides focusing on disinfection of the stabling areas – barn, paddocks, fences,
and gates – hand tools, farm equipment, vehicles and trailers should also be addressed.
Cleaning and disinfecting a barn and equipment can be challenging, in large part because surfaces are often coated with layers of soil, dirt, dust and organic matter. Not only do these materials potentially contain infectious matter, but deposits of organic debris form a barrier to contact of disinfectants with surfaces you’re trying to treat.
The multistep process of cleaning and disinfection involves removal of visible debris, scrubbing with a detergent, rinsing, and then applying a disinfectant.
ELBOW GREASE AND CLEANING
Most microorganisms are removed through scrubbing and rinsing – applying a disinfectant adds another level of confidence for lowering the burden of microorganisms.
Relocate the horses away from the area to be cleaned and disinfected. Note all the elec- trical outlets and wiring during the overall
cleaning process; it may be necessary to turn off the power supply before soaking every- thing with water.
It also helps to remove bedding and the top layer (6-12 inches) of stall dirt. Porous surfaces, such as wood and concrete, are not well sealed so are more difficult to effectively clean. Thorough cleanliness requires a lot of “elbow grease” – scraping, brushing, and scrubbing away soiled areas and debris splattered on walls and floors.
Start from the back of the barn and work forward, preferably not retracing any steps. Start at the top and work down, directing wash and rinse water toward drains. Scrub
all surfaces and/or use a low-pressure (less than 120 psi) power washer. Power wash-
ing is available at low pressure (90-120 psi) and high pressure (>200 psi). High-pressure washing helps to clean porous surfaces; however, the force of high-pressure water may aerosolize microorganisms and contaminants, which contributes to further environmental contamination. Well water may contribute
PRACTICAL
DISINFECTION
by Nancy S. Loving, DVM
102 SPEEDHORSE March 2021
The barn is a likely reservoir for infectious organisms because it is a highly trafficked area where horses and people congregate and where equipment is used that may also have been used in other areas of the facility.
Relocate the horses away from the area to be cleaned and disinfected.