Sustainable disinfection of livestock barns

A hygienic and clean barn environment is the basis for healthy animals and successful livestock farming. With Hydroliq’s sustainable disinfection solutions, this can be achieved easily, safely, and effectively. Discover how professional barn cleaning with Hydroliq products works and why they are the best choice for your animals, your employees, and the environment.

Why is it so important to disinfect barns regularly?


Regular cleaning and disinfection of stables is an important part of agricultural practices to ensure animal health and welfare. These measures reduce the risk of infection and avoid unnecessary strain on the animals’ immune systems. In certain situations, such as after animal movements or in the event of an epidemic, the barn must be cleaned and disinfected particularly thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease. Otherwise, germs can spread invisibly in barns and endanger new livestock.

As this process is time-consuming and requires specialized knowledge, it is best to entrust it to qualified professionals. Professional cleaning companies have the necessary expertise, the right equipment, and are familiar with the applicable norms, safety standards, and environmental requirements. This means you benefit from a clean and hygienic stable, reliable documentation, and maximum safety, while also having more time to devote to other operational tasks.


Steps for professional cleaning of stables with Hydroliq products


    Preliminary cleaning and disassembly
    First, the housing is cleaned to remove coarse dirt such as feathers, eggs, or litter residue. At the same time, the system components and covers are removed so that all surfaces are accessible.
    (This step is usually performed by the owner.)

    Preliminary disinfection by fogging (Recommandation)

    Pre-disinfection is a safety measure for owners and cleaning staff that serves to significantly reduce the microbial load before the actual cleaning process. In addition, it considerably reduces the risk of infection for people. Thanks to a modern nebulization technique using a Hydroliq disinfectant solution, even hard-to-reach areas are evenly moistened.

    Pre-wetting
    Difficult stains are soaked to make them easier to remove in the next step. This step significantly improves the cleaning result.

    Deep cleaning
    This specific step is crucial for the final result. Only a perfectly clean surface allows the foam to adhere optimally and take full effect.

    Foaming
    All surfaces—ceilings, walls, floors, and fixtures such as display cases, feeders, and drink troughs-are completely covered with foam. The foam dissolves dirt, adheres well, and ensures uniform wetting of all surfaces.

    High-pressure water cleaning
    After the action time, the barn is thoroughly cleaned using only cold water. Thanks to modern high-pressure technology, even hard-to-reach areas can be cleaned thoroughly without damaging surfaces. Important: Residues of cleaning products or dirt particles can reduce or even negate the effect of subsequent disinfection. It is therefore essential to rinse thoroughly with clean water.

    No drying time required

    Hydroliq disinfectant solutions also work on wet surfaces, so there is no need to wait for them to dry completely. This means that animals can return to their premises more quickly and the barn remains unoccupied for less time.

    Spray disinfection

    Targeted disinfection by spraying all surfaces is then carried out using high-pressure cleaning equipment. This method ensures uniform and complete distribution of the solution.

    Final disinfection by fogging

    Finally, a second disinfection by fogging is carried out. This also reaches hard-to-reach areas and ensures complete and lasting disinfection.


Note – Don’t forget the water pipes
For cleaning drinking water pipes, we recommend Hydroliq WATER DISINFECTION Plus. Injecting the solution gradually breaks down the biofilms in the pipes (the speed of breakdown depends on the condition of the pipes). After rinsing, the solution can be injected continuously, relieving the animals’ immune systems even during operation.

Hydroliq Schema Wasserdesinfektion

Conclusion: sustainable hygiene in barns is worthwhile


With Hydroliq products and professional cleaning, you create the ideal conditions for healthy animals, hygienic breeding conditions, and sustainable operation of your farm. Hydroliq focuses on sustainable technology, ease of use, and maximum safety for people, animals, and the environment.

Personalized advice is a matter of course for us. In collaboration with our experienced service partner Purwatec AG we provide expert advice on all matters relating to disinfecting livestock housing and tailor measures to your requirements and the desired area of application. We present you with recommended products and possible equipment solutions. Call us at: 041 259 90 00 or send us an email at: info@hydroliq.com

Our service partner for cleaning and disinfecting stables:

Purwatec AG
Marktstrasse 30
9244 Niederuzwil
071 911 79 90
info@purwatec.ch
www.purwatec.ch

Hydroliq Water Disinfection Plus Carefree drinking water

Sustainability Our vision is to drive the development of sustainable disinfection solutions that are not only effective but also environmentally friendly

Our disinfectant solutions pass the sporicide test

We are delighted that our disinfectant solutions have successfully passed the demanding sporicide test. This means that our products are now officially classified as sporicidal and offer comprehensive protection in addition to their bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal properties. This is particularly noteworthy as alcohol-based disinfectants are not able to eliminate spores. Bacterial spores are particularly important in the medical sector and in the food industry. Our innovation therefore represents a significant advance in hygiene and infection control, as it makes it possible to combat even the most resistant pathogens.

What are spores?


Spores are microscopically small permanent forms of bacteria. Bacteria-forming spores (so-called endospores), such as those of Bacillus and Clostridium species, develop under unfavorable conditions such as heat, cold, dehydration and lack of food to ensure the survival of the bacteria. They are often found in soil, water and the intestines of animals and humans. These spores consist of a robust outer shell (exosporium), a thick protective layer (cortex) and a central core. They are characterized by extreme resilience and longevity, as they can survive for years in a dormant state and become active under favourable conditions. These properties pose a particular challenge for disinfection.

Clostridium difficile


Our positive sporicide test is particularly important in the fight against Clostridium difficile, a gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium. Clostridium difficile is characterized by a thick cell wall, which turns purple in the Gram stain, and grows exclusively in the absence of oxygen. It forms heat- and chemical-resistant spores and produces toxins (toxin A and toxin B) that cause diarrhea and intestinal inflammation (colitis). It is often responsible for nosocomial infections, which occur mainly in hospitals and care facilities and are usually transmitted fecal-orally through contaminated surfaces, hands or medical equipment. Clostridium difficile can occur particularly after antibiotic therapy that disrupts the normal intestinal flora. In severe cases, specific antibiotics such as metronidazole or vancomycin or even stool transplants are required. Our disinfectant solutions now offer an effective weapon against this dangerous bacterium by destroying the resistant spores and thus preventing the spread and infection.

Conventional methods for spore control


Compared to our disinfectant solutions, all conventional methods of spore control (disinfection and sterilization) have considerable disadvantages:
  • Autoclaving with steam under pressure at 121°C for 15-20 minutes is a very effective sterilization method against all types of spores, but is not suitable for heat-sensitive materials.
  • Chemical disinfectants such as peracetic acid, formaldehyde and bleach are flexible and effective, but require safety precautions, a longer exposure time and can damage materials.
  • Ionizing radiation (gamma or X-rays) is highly effective, even in hard-to-reach areas, but is expensive and requires special equipment.
  • UV radiation uses ultraviolet light for disinfection, is easy to use and leaves no residue. However, its effectiveness is significantly impaired by shadow areas, changing distances, irregular surfaces and speeds. It is also time-consuming and costly to use and poses risks to eyes and skin.
  • Low-temperature plasma uses ionized gases and is gentle on heat-sensitive materials, but is expensive and requires special equipment.
Our disinfection method offers an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative that requires no contact time, leaves no residue, requires no special protective measures and is easy to use.

Conclusion


With the successful classification of our disinfectant solutions as sporicidal, we are setting new standards in hygiene. Our products not only offer comprehensive protection against bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens, but also eliminate stubborn bacterial spores that often cannot be completely destroyed using conventional methods. This is particularly important in sensitive areas such as medicine and the food industry, where spores can pose a considerable risk. Our sporicidal disinfectants are characterized by their environmental compatibility and ease of use. They leave no harmful residues and require no special precautions, making them a practical and safe choice for comprehensive infection control. We are proud to be able to make an important contribution to improving hygiene and safety in various areas of application.

What are legionella and how do they form?

Legionella is a genus of bacteria found in natural bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. They were first identified in 1976 when an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease (legionellosis) occurred. The disease can cause severe pneumonia and is particularly dangerous for the elderly, smokers and people with weakened immune systems.

In low concentrations, legionella generally pose no danger. However, under optimal conditions, a single legionella bacteria can multiply to 4,096 within 48 hours. If a certain threshold value is exceeded, there is cause for concern. Infection with Legionella usually occurs through inhalation of water in the form of aerosols (steam baths, bubble baths, showers and toilet flushing), less frequently through ingestion (aspiration into the respiratory tract).



Formation of biofilms in water pipes


Legionella can also colonize and multiply in clean tap water. This often happens in warm stagnation areas of water pipes, especially at water temperatures between 25 and 45 degrees Celsius. A critical aspect in the proliferation of legionella is the formation of so-called biofilms in the water pipes.

What are biofilms?


Biofilms are complex associations of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces (inner walls of water pipes, shower hoses) and are protected by a mucus-like matrix of polysaccharides, proteins and other substances. This matrix makes the microorganisms more resistant to measures such as flushing.

Favoring factors


The formation of biofilms and the proliferation of legionella is favored by the following factors:
  • Material of the pipes: Certain materials such as plastic offer microorganisms better adhesion than others.

  • Stagnation: Stagnant water offers microorganisms the opportunity to multiply and form biofilms.

  • Temperature: Warm water between 25 and 45 degrees Celsius promotes the growth of biofilms and legionella.

  • Nutrients: Even minimal amounts of organic material in the water can support the growth of biofilms.




Measures to prevent the formation of legionella


An infection with legionella is extremely dangerous for the elderly, smokers and people with a weakened immune system. Buildings such as hospitals and nursing homes are therefore particularly required to take prophylactic measures to prevent contamination of the tap water. There are various measures to prevent the formation of legionella in water pipes:
  • Regular maintenance and cleaning: Regular inspections and cleaning of water pipes and water tanks can help to minimize the formation of biofilms.

  • Temperature control: Keep the water temperature above 60 degrees Celsius in hot water systems to kill legionella and below 20 degrees Celsius in cold water systems to inhibit their growth.

  • Flushing the pipes: Regular flushing of the water pipes, especially in rarely used areas, prevents stagnation and reduces biofilm formation.

  • Avoid piping dead legs: Dead legs in which the water stands for a long time and does not circulate should be avoided or flushed regularly.

  • Disinfection: WATER DISINFECTION Plus is approved for the disinfection of tap water and drinking water. The water disinfection solution reliably kills germs even at low concentrations. When used continuously, the solution breaks down the biofilm in the water pipes and effectively prevents contamination with harmful (pathogenic) germs. Renewed biofilm formation is virtually impossible.



    The simple integration into existing dosing systems enables cost-effective and sustainable disinfection that is odorless and tasteless. The product leaves no residue in the water and enables continuous dosing without hesitation, so that clean and germ-free water is always available without having to compromise on safety.

Summary: Legionella poses a significant health risk, especially in larger buildings with complex water supply systems. By better understanding biofilm formation and implementing preventative measures, the spread of dangerous bacteria can be effectively controlled. A proactive approach to the maintenance and servicing of water supply systems is crucial to ensure health and safety. A water disinfection solution from Hydroliq can help.

Protein and soap errors – cleaning and disinfection

The two terms protein error and soap error sound odd at first and are difficult to associate with cleaning and disinfection. However, if you look at the two terms syllable by syllable, the solution may even find itself.

Explanation:

A protein error is the reduced effectiveness of disinfectants in the presence of proteins or protein-containing material. The disinfectant does not reach the germs completely as they are partially protected by the dirt and the effect of the disinfectant is reduced by binding to the proteins.

The situation is similar with soap residues, which can reduce the effect of disinfectants in the same way or – depending on their composition – even cancel them out completely.

With this knowledge in mind, many people now understand why cleaning before disinfection is essential. After all, the foundation for effective disinfection is only laid with the correct cleaning. A common mistake is to use too much cleaning agent, leaving soap residue behind after the surface has dried. In this case, the surface should be wiped with clean water to prevent the disinfectant solutions from being affected. However, the easiest way is to follow the cleaning agent manufacturer’s instructions exactly.
Recommended procedure Surface disinfection:
  • Clean the surface with a suitable cleaning agent. Ensure that not too much cleaning agent is used.
  • After cleaning, spray the surface to be disinfected with Hydroliq Professional and leave to take effect or wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Recommended procedure for floor disinfection:
  • Wet the floor with a suitable cleaning agent according to the instructions.
  • Add 1 liter of disinfectant solution to 10 liters of water (1:10) in a bucket and wipe the floor again with a damp mop.

In summary, it can be said that disinfection can only be fully effective if cleaning has taken place beforehand. The effect of disinfectants can be impaired by stains or residues of cleaning agents.

Claw disinfection – prevention & care

Hoof disease is a serious problem in livestock farming that can affect both animal welfare and farm productivity. An important measure to prevent claw diseases is hoof disinfection, a process that is underestimated but crucial to maintaining animal health.

Why is disinfecting the hooves important?

The importance of disinfection goes far beyond mere cleanliness – it contributes significantly to reducing the use of antibiotics, promotes animal health, improves animal welfare and reduces production costs by maintaining a healthy livestock population. Hooves are of central importance for the mobility and well-being of livestock. Hoof diseases such as hoof rot, thrush or Mortellaro (dermatitis digitalis) can have serious consequences. Not only do they cause pain and suffering to the animals, they can also lead to lameness, which restricts freedom of movement and reduces feed intake and productivity. In addition, animals with claw diseases are more susceptible to infections and other health problems.



Prevention is the key

Disinfection is an important part of a comprehensive hoof care program. Here are some best practices for preventing claw disease:
  • Regular checks: In order to detect signs of claw disease at an early stage, regular examination of each animal’s hooves is essential. This enables timely treatment and prevents problems from worsening.
  • Stable hygiene: Clean and dry lying areas and regularly cleaned walkways are important to prevent the spread of pathogens that can cause hoof diseases.
  • Hoof disinfection: Disinfecting the hooves is an important step in preventing hoof diseases. Regular disinfection can reduce potentially harmful bacteria and fungi that can lead to infections. At the same time, the healing process is supported. For this purpose, the use of a hoof washing system has proven its worth.



Hydromac HC1000

The Hydromac HC1000 is a pioneering hoof washing system that cleans and disinfects the hooves of livestock efficiently and sustainably. The simple operation, low-noise operation and high pressure force guarantee thorough cleaning. A powerful dosing pump ensures precise and effective disinfection after cleaning by spraying the hooves in a targeted manner to ensure even protection against diseases and prevent infections. The Hydromac HC1000 hoof washer not only facilitates hoof care, but also supports overall animal health by promoting healthy hooves and creating a barrier against potential pathogens. Healthy hooves are the basis for successful milk and meat production.

Unlike conventional disinfectant solutions, Hydroliq tackles the causes and not the symptoms. Hydroliq does not contain alcohol or synthetic additives and does not cause claw burning. Hydroliq does not require a hazard warning, is harmless to the animals and the development of resistance is virtually impossible. In addition, the Hydromac HC1000 is compatible with all milking robots (DeLaval, Lely, GEA, BouMatic, etc.). After just a short time, the animals’ hooves are significantly cleaner than before.

Particularly with Mortellaro wounds, significant improvements can be observed after using Hydroliq Animal Pro. The wounds begin to heal, the cows are no longer lame and can put weight on their hooves again. By using Hydroliq, the herd remains free of new infections with Mortellaro as long as no new infected animals are added.

The advantage of a hoof washing system with Hydroliq over a hoof bath is that each animal is sprayed with fresh solution in a hoof washing system. In a hoof bath, on the other hand, the water is not changed after each animal. This can impair the effect of the disinfection and, in the worst case, even have a counterproductive effect.



The importance of regular hoof care

In addition to prevention, regular hoof care is also important. This includes regular trimming of the hooves to promote healthy hoof growth and avoid excessive pressure on individual areas.

Overall, hoof disinfection is an important part of hoof health in farm animals. By applying good prevention and care practices, livestock farmers can help reduce the incidence of claw disease and promote the welfare of their animals. Ultimately, good claw health not only contributes to the quality of life of animals, but also to the efficiency and profitability of farms.

Let our partner in the livestock sector advise you:



Hofstetter Melktechnik GmbH Brunnwil 3b
5637 Beinwil / Freiamt
Switzerland
056 670 21 12

info@hofstetter-melk.ch

Druse in horses – isolation and disinfection are the key

Druse is one of the most widespread bacterial infections in horses. It can cause serious health problems. This infection is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi and mainly affects the horse’s upper respiratory tract and lymph nodes. It can lead to fever, nasal discharge, coughing and abscesses. The control of druse in equine herds requires careful prevention and management strategies, with immediate isolation and disinfection being key.

The importance of disinfection for druse

Disinfection is an important measure to combat druse, as the bacterium Streptococcus equi can survive in the environment for a long time. Infected horses excrete the bacterium through nasal discharge and coughing, making it easy to spread to other horses and the environment. Thorough disinfection of stables, equipment, riding clothing and means of transportation is therefore essential to prevent the spread of druse.  

Hygiene measures for druse

  Here are some important points to combat the pathogen:
  • Stable hygiene: Regular cleaning and disinfection of stables is crucial to control the spread of druse. This includes thorough cleaning and disinfection of feed troughs, drinking troughs, stalls and other surfaces that infected horses may have come into contact with.
  • Isolation: Infected horses must be isolated from healthy horses immediately to prevent further spread of the infection. Stables and equipment that have been used by infected horses must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent transmission of the pathogen.
  • Disinfection: All equipment that has come into contact with infected horses, such as saddles, bridles, blankets and means of transportation, must be thoroughly disinfected to prevent the spread of infection.
Hydroliq Animal is approved for both skin disinfection on animals and for oral hygiene. The pH-neutral disinfectant solution eliminates 99.99% of all bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores in a matter of seconds and is completely harmless to animals, humans and the environment. Ideally suited for all surfaces that come into direct contact with the animal (bridle, feeding troughs and drinking troughs), as well as for the animal itself. Hydroliq PROFESSIONAL is used to disinfect stable boxes, floors, trailers, equipment and other surfaces as well as in combination with the “Fogger” device for spray disinfection. This handy, mobile spray disinfection device (3.5 kg / 4 liter tank capacity) can be carried comfortably over the shoulder. It enables uncomplicated, fast and effective decontamination of hotspots. For fast and safe disinfection of even hard-to-reach surfaces. Do not forget: Trailers and trucks that have been used to transport infected horses must also be treated.
  • Personal hygiene: In the event of an outbreak of druse in a stable, care must be taken to ensure that contact only takes place with your own horse. This applies in particular if your own horse is affected. It is recommended that you wash your hands regularly, put your clothes straight into the washing machine and do not share equipment. If you own several horses, it is recommended that you change your clothes every now and then and wash as well as possible. Although these measures involve a certain amount of effort, they are essential for successful management of the disease.
  • Monitoring: To ensure early diagnosis and treatment, it is important to monitor horses for signs of druse. A rapid response can help limit the spread of infection and reduce the risk of serious complications.
  • Veterinary treatment: If druse is suspected, the vet must be informed immediately. The vet will first take a swab and send it to the laboratory. There it can be tested whether the horse is excreting the druse bacteria or whether it is a different disease. The sick horse should be isolated as soon as it is suspected, as otherwise the pathogen can spread quickly in the stable.
Conclusion: Druse is a serious disease that requires careful prevention and control to protect the health and welfare of horses. Disinfection plays a central role in this and should be considered an integral part of the management plan in equine herds. By following strict disinfection practices, horse owners can help control the spread of druse and maintain the health of their animals.

Hand disinfection made easy – in 6 steps

In times when the world is confronted with a multitude of infectious diseases, hand hygiene is an important topic that is often neglected. A simple yet effective measure to contain the spread of pathogens is regular hand sanitising. Here you can find out why sanitising your hands is more than just an everyday habit.

Prevention of infectious diseases: Pathogens such as viruses and bacteria can easily be spread via the hands, especially when we visit public places or touch objects that have been used by other people. By thoroughly sanitising our hands, we can reduce the likelihood of infection and thus help to limit the spread of disease.

Protection for vulnerable groups: People with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses, are particularly at risk. By regularly disinfecting our hands, we not only protect ourselves, but also these vulnerable groups from potentially dangerous pathogens.



Contribution to public health: Consistent hand hygiene not only contributes to personal protection, but also has a positive impact on the health of the population as a whole. Fewer cases of illness mean a lower burden on the healthcare system and higher productivity in society.

Simple and quick measure: Disinfecting your hands is a simple and quick measure that everyone can easily integrate into their daily routine.

Environmentally friendly alternatives: In addition to conventional disinfectants, Hydroliq Disinfecta Plus is an alternative on the market that is biodegradable and contains no harmful chemicals. This way, we can not only rid our hands of 99.99% of all germs, but also protect the environment.

In our video, we show you how to sanitise your hands properly.
Step 1:
Palm to palm. Important: Disinfect the wrists as well!
Step 2:
Right palm over left back of hand and left palm over right back of hand.
Step 3:
Outside of fingers on opposite palms with fingers interlaced.
Step 4:
Palm on palm with fingers interlaced and spread apart.
Step 5:
Circular rubbing of the right thumb in the closed left palm and vice versa.
Step 6:
Circular rubbing back and forth with closed fingertips of right hand in left palm and vice versa.

For optimum effect, apply 3 millilitres of Hydroliq Disinfecta Plus to dry hands and rub into hands for 30 seconds.

Overall, hand sanitising is a simple and effective way to protect both our own health and the health of others. By integrating this habit into our everyday lives, we can make an important contribution to the prevention of infectious diseases and help to contain the spread of pathogens. Provided that hand sanitising is carried out correctly.