As budgerigar breeders we have been advised to keep our bird rooms and equipment clean and free from infection. This is all very well for fanciers such as myself and my husband who through our jobs are aware of the different actions of different detergents and disinfectants and their effective concentrations. In this article I have set out to try and explain some the different detergents and chemicals available for ordinary fanciers, their effective dilution for use to prevent avian reoviruses and precautions that are needed when using them.
Much of this information can be obtained by looking on the internet but again not all fanciers have this at home. A list of useful websites is found at the end of the article for the fanciers who have access to the internet.
Aviaries and cages should be inspected and cleaned at least once a week. All build up of faeces and old food should be removed. Feeding containers and drinkers should be cleaned and disinfected daily and should ideally be stainless steel or plastic as these are nonporous and easily cleaned. Food containers can easily be renewed every day when new green foods are placed in the cage.
Remember for effective disinfection to occur all organic matter needs to be removed as this can deactivate the chosen disinfectant. Organic matter can be removed by use of detergents. This detergent must be thoroughly washed off as this may also deactivate the chosen disinfectant. In practice it is often easier to use the same product for both the cleaning and the disinfection. If this is the case make sure that you reapply the disinfectant after you have cleaned away the organic matter. The first application used for cleaning will have been deactivated and will not therefore kill your virus or microorganism.
There are many commercial disinfectants available. The one to choose should be easy to use, have a good safety record and be readily available. Practical considerations when choosing a disinfectant include:
1. Does it effectively kill viruses and other microorganisms
2. Is it safe to use in the presence of livestock.
3. How long does it take to effectively disinfect my bird room
4. What precautions do I have to take when using the disinfectant (e.g. gloves)
5. Does it affect the materials my bird room is made of. (e.g. attack metals)
6. Does it leave a residue that could be harmful to the birds?
7. Can I get hold of it easily?
8. Cost.
Virkon S has been proven to be effective against quite a lot of viruses including the avian reoviruses. The recommended dilution for eradication of all viruses is 1% or 1 in 100. All surfaces need to be cleaned to remove organic matter then treated with the diluted Virkon S for 30 minutes. The active solution is a dark pink but as it becomes inactive it goes paler and when totally inactive changes to a yellow/ straw colour. It can be applied as a fog or fine spray to mist rooms to eradicate airborne microbes such as fungal spores and viruses or when ill birds shed infected material to prevent cross contamination. Gloves do not have to be worn when using this product but should be worn if skin is sensitive or broken. Care should be taken to avoid inhaling the powder.
Virkon S is also safe for use in drinking water of birds. A study in chickens in Cambridge showed that Virkon was safe in the water but was only palatable to the birds in a very weak solution (0.5% or less). We give our birds Virkon S in the drinking water approximately once a month. The dilution is very low probably a lot less than 0.5%. We tend to put in enough Virkon S to just tinge the water a pale pink. This is palatable to our birds and has not caused any ill effects.
F10 is extremely effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores, and contact times are shorter than some of the other disinfections making application easier. Exposure time is between 10 and 30 minutes dependant on the virus. F10 is non-toxic and biodegradable and will not corrode metals or irritate the eyes or even broken skin. The latest EU ecological hazard tests assigned it a "zero hazard" rating. F10 can be used safely for just about everything including disinfecting floors, cages, perches, food preparation areas (including as a food rinse) and decontaminating hands. It can be applied as a fog or fine spray to mist rooms to eradicate airborne microbes such as fungal spores and viruses or when ill birds shed infected material to prevent cross contamination.
A UK MAFF approved detergent disinfectant for disinfection of soiled contaminated surfaces and equipment in livestock production. Lifeline is a disinfectant with powerful detergent properties. Though primarily intended for use on pre-cleaned surfaces, Lifeline is capable of penetrating residual aged organic material. For Routine Disinfection apply at 1% (1/100) solution. Wear gloves to avoid skin contact. (Marigold gloves are fine). For Heavy, Aged Soiling apply Lifeline at twice the above recommended dilution - 2.0% (1/50) so as to thoroughly soak soiled surfaces. Leave for at least thirty minutes wash off with water, or 0.5% (1/200) Lifeline solution. Re-treat persistent soil and /or extend soak period.
Virucidal Action:
To effectively kill viruses the dilution of this product needs to be slightly stronger.
Avian
Reovirus: 1/75
Avian Rotavirus: 1/75
Disifin Tabs is the new worldwide patented surface disinfectant that is government approved in Europe which has multiple uses and is fast becoming the global standard worldwide for surface disinfecting. Disifin Tabs are a highly concentrated disinfectant in pre-measured individually packaged tablets which quickly dissolve in water to form an effective surface disinfectant. Disifin Tabs are effective against all known microorganisms, including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, enveloped and non-enveloped bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast. Disifin Tabs are non-corrosive making it ideal for disinfecting all surfaces, including wood, plastic and metal, safely and efficiently. Disifin Tabs rinse off easily with water, leaving no residue, guaranteeing reliable disinfecting without damage to the surface. Unlike many other disinfectants, Disifin Tabs is cold resistant and effective at temperatures between 4oC and 70°C. Disifin Surface disinfectants are also available in powder form.
If dealing with an unknown disease agent and only household cleaners are handy, the following for personal disinfection may be used provided no other approved disinfectant is available:
1) Scrub with soap or household detergent in hot (60ºC) water;
2) Domestic washing soda 10 parts in 100 parts hot water; or
3) Household concentrated chlorine bleach diluted 1 part in 3 parts water to give 2–3 % available chlorine.
This chemical is not to
be used on face, hands or skin. remember to wear protective gloves.
During the cleaning process, all waste water
and organic material should be directed to a pit for burial/or washed into
diverted drains/bins for later decontamination.
Common general disinfectants such as phenolics, quaternary ammonium compounds and Iodophores (e.g. Vanadine) are very effective anti-bacterial but have limited effectiveness against most viruses. Do not use old, out of date chemicals such as bleach or chlorine compounds because old chemicals break down and have poor disinfection powers. Only use new or recently opened packets.
As soon as possible obtain a disinfectant which is known to kill viruses and apply as soon as possible.