
Winter Bootdips – Things to consider when choosing yours
The result of global warming is always in the news, however there are somethings that remain unchanged, at least for the time being. During the winter months in the UK, it will be cold and we can expect air frost almost half the time during the winter months. This means that the choice of bootdip becomes even more important.

Some facts
1. All DEFRA disinfectants approved under General Orders and Diseases of Poultry Orders are effective against bacteria and enveloped viruses like Avian influenza down to 4°C when applied for 30 minutes at the DEFRA recommended concentrations.
2. Glutaraldehyde disinfectants will have slower activity at sub 4°C temperatures, but they will continue to be effective. The glutaraldehyde/formaldehyde disinfectant INTERCID can be mixed with antifreeze to keep the product active throughout the coldest winter.


3. Peroxygen and peracetic based disinfectants are relatively temperature independent but need to be changed at least 3-4 times a week due to reduce the problem of the active ingredient reacting with organic matter. If the farm is particularly muddy, it might be prudent to refresh the bootdip disinfectant daily.

4. It is usually good practice to use a concentration of 2 x General Orders approved dilution in boot dips to accommodate low temperatures and organic matter. e.g. INTERSTERIL General Orders is 1:500 (0.2%), so a dilution of 1:250 (0.4%) would be recommended.
There are very few designs of bootdip that allow accurate dilution of disinfectants and monitoring of bootdip use. e.g. Footcheck bootdip as shown in picture.
Don’t forget to organise a way of cleaning boots before disinfection! If a cleaning station is not possible, a bucket of water (plus antifreeze) and a brush will help.
For more information or guidance on how you can improve your sites hygiene, get in touch or browse our products.
