Cleaning and disinfection

A clean farm means healthy animals

A farm may look clean, but is it really safe? Microbes, bacteria and viruses are invisible to the naked eye, but they can halt production, destroy livestock and cause millions in losses. That is why disinfection and cleaning are essential for any farm, regardless of its size or type of activity. The right choice of products, tools, and equipment affects not only the sanitary condition of the premises, but also the efficiency of the staff, the health of the animals, and the quality of the final product.

Why disinfection is important on the farm and in everyday life

Any farm is a place with a large amount of organic debris, moisture and heat. This is an ideal environment for the development and spread of microbes. It should be understood that even the best ventilation will not stop the spread of infection if a hygiene system is not in place. To maintain sanitary standards on the farm, it is important to purchase disinfectants and use them in rooms and on equipment.

I think everyone knows what disinfection is. It destroys pathogens that remain after cleaning. Skipping this step in farm care can negate the entire result, as microbes easily return through dust, water, rodents or people.

Currently, disinfection is carried out on a schedule in poultry houses, piggeries and dairy complexes: after each breeding cycle, after the removal of animals, before the arrival of new batches, as well as locally in sanitary checkpoints and disinfection barriers.

For example, disinfection of poultry farms with high stocking density and a short production cycle. The risks here are particularly high. The premises must undergo complete cleaning, washing and two-stage disinfection before each new delivery of poultry (initial disinfection to destroy most microorganisms and final disinfection after 12-24 hours for complete sanitation). Particular attention should be paid to feeders, drinkers and ventilation ducts, as microbes can remain in these areas even after general cleaning.

Do not neglect disinfectant mats and sanitary barriers. The former prevent infections from entering the farm or building. They must always be moistened with an active solution and regularly replaced. To reduce the risk of introducing pathogens, it is recommended to purchase a sanitary barrier that controls the entry of personnel and transport.

A farm is a farm, but disinfection should not be neglected in everyday life. The cleanliness of utility rooms, equipment, containers, and refrigerators will keep food products in good condition.

Comprehensive cleaning and tidying

This is an important step before disinfection. Otherwise, dust, feed residues or manure will reduce the effectiveness of disinfectants because they absorb the active ingredients. That is why every sanitary cleaning cycle should begin with cleaning and washing.

A shoe washing station is usually located at the entrance to the production area or near the sanitary inspection room. Shoes are treated with a special solution that kills germs and fungi.

High-pressure washers are an important tool for cleaning walls, grates, floors and equipment. Even dried-up residues are washed away under high water pressure.

Sweeping machines and floor washers are most often used on large farms. The former remove dust and feed residues, while the latter wash and dry the surface, thereby reducing humidity and the risk of mould growth. Therefore, to ensure clean floors in large production facilities, it is recommended to purchase a sweeper and a machine that greatly simplifies the cleaning process.

Industrial vacuum cleaners are used for dry cleaning in production and technical premises, electrical rooms, and ventilation chambers.

Scrapers and other cleaning equipment are cleaning tools for small farms. It is important that this equipment is distributed by zone: one for the feed shop, another for the pigsty or poultry house, to avoid cross-contamination.

A feather plucking machine is an indispensable assistant in poultry houses, so it must be properly maintained. Regular washing and disinfection are mandatory, as it accumulates a lot of protein residues that quickly decompose and become a further source of microbes. Buying a feather plucking machine that speeds up the processing and ensures sanitary conditions means increasing farm productivity and reducing the risk of spreading infections among poultry.

How to choose disinfection products and equipment?

The choice depends on several factors. Let's take a closer look at the details.

Type of farm. Poultry houses require fast-acting agents with a broad spectrum of activity, while piggeries are better off choosing formulas that work well in the presence of organic matter. In all cases, the agents must be safe for animals and equipment. For general cleaning and equipment cleaning, it would be a good idea to purchase a high-pressure washer that allows you to quickly remove dirt and feed residues.

Area and configuration of premises. There are also some nuances here: large farms require stationary spraying systems or fog generators. In smaller farms, hand-held or backpack sprayers can be used.

The type of contamination also requires different agents: alkaline detergents are needed for fatty or proteinaceous contaminants, acidic detergents for mineral contaminants, and universal formulas with quaternary ammonium compounds or hydrogen peroxide for general disinfection.

Type of animals. Disinfection of a cowshed, pigsty or poultry house varies. For poultry, it is important to avoid irritants, and for cattle, to take into account contact with hooves and mucous membranes.

Table. How to choose disinfectants 

Where to buy cleaning equipment and disinfectants in Ukraine?

Modern solutions and proven means for disinfection, cleaning and maintaining biosafety can be purchased at the VADA online store, a company that specialises in comprehensive equipment for livestock complexes. You can also buy cleaning equipment from us.

The company's catalogue contains all the necessary tools for sanitary protection of the farm. Here you will find disinfectants, mats, sanitary barriers (you can buy ready-made kits or individual modules), shoe washers, high-pressure washers, sweepers and floor washers for large areas and production areas, industrial vacuum cleaners, cleaning equipment, and more.

All equipment is selected taking into account the specifics of farm operations. Our managers will help you choose solutions for your specific needs.

Order cleaning and disinfection products from VADA — ensure the cleanliness and safety of your farm today!