Disinfection protocols, when implemented correctly, can be a cost-effective means of reducing pathogenic organisms and are an important step in any biological risk management program. Development and implementation of a step-by-step disinfection protocol for the control and prevention of infectious disease has become essential for farms and veterinary clinics.

These references will provide an overview of:

  • Considerations necessary when choosing a disinfectant and developing a disinfection protocol
  • Various classes of disinfectants and their advantages and disadvantages
  • Important information found on disinfectant labels
  • Essential steps of an effective disinfection protocol

Disinfection 101
This document provides a general overview of disinfectant information regarding proper selection, application, mixing, reading a label, and effectiveness against various disease causing organisms.
PDF (20 pgs)
Characteristics of Selected Disinfectants
This table provides general information for select disinfectant chemical classes, summarizing the antimicrobial spectrum, mechanism of action, characteristics and factors affecting effectiveness.
PDF (1 pg)

Antimicrobial Spectrum of Disinfectants
This table provides a summary of microorganism susceptibility to select disinfectant classes.

PDF (1 pg)

Bacteria Group Review Table
This handout reviews the various types of bacteria based on their classification as gram negative or positive as this is important when selecting an effective disinfectant.
PDF (1 pg)
Virus Family Table
This handout summarizes virus families based on their genetic (DNA vs. RNA) and cellular (enveloped vs. non-envelped) characteristics and lists the affiliated animal diseases and species affected by each virus. This handout supplements the other disinfectant information to aid in proper selection of an effective disinfectant on farms.
PDF (6 pgs)
Cleaning and Disinfection Protocol
PDF (1 pg)
Sign: Disinfectant Formulation
PDF (1 pg)
Reading Disinfectant Product Labels
Understanding the information on a disinfectant product label is essential for effective disease organism inactivation and removal, as well as ensuring safety when using the product. This handout overviews key areas of a sample disinfectant label. It helps explain where to find key information on a product label.
English PDF (1 pg)
Spanish PDF (1 pg)

Sign: Wash Your Hands
Full Size PDF (1 pg)
Small Size PDF (1 pg)