Disinfection

Cleaning and disinfection – often called C&D – is a process that removes and kills germs on equipment and surfaces. C&D, when done correctly, is a cost-effective way to protect animal and human health.

The resources on this page will help you:

  • Understand C&D principles for animal settings
  • Review different classes of disinfectants and their uses
  • Develop an effective C&D program

Disinfection 101

An overview of C&D basics, including disinfection methods, factors affecting the process, and safety considerations.

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Characteristics of Selected Disinfectants

A table summarizing various chemical classes of disinfectants – microorganism impact, mechanism of action, and factors affecting effectiveness.

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Antimicrobial Spectrum of Disinfectants

A table summarizing microorganism susceptibility to select disinfectant classes.

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Learn the key principles and basic actions for an effective C&D program.

Bacteria Group Review Table

Reviews the various types of bacteria based on their classification as gram negative or positive as this is important when selecting an effective disinfectant.

Virus Family Table

Summarizes virus families based on their genetic and cellular characteristics and lists the affiliated animal diseases and species affected by each virus. This handout aids in proper selection of an effective disinfectant on farms.

These forms, signs, and checklists can help you set up or train personnel on C&D procedures.

Learn about C&D measures needed during animal health emergencies.

Setting Up a Temporary C&D Station on a Livestock Premises

Vehicle C&D on livestock operations is critical for on-farm biosecurity during a foreign animal disease outbreak.  

Funded by Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS)

Produced by the Center for Food Security and Public Health and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach