Cleaning and disinfection in the domestic pig sector

Abstract

African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most important diseases in pigs and since there are no effective vaccines, cleaning and disinfection remains one of the most effective tools to prevent the spread of the ASF virus (ASFV) in pig holdings. Indeed, cleaning and disinfection procedures are fundamental for pathogen inactivation, to prevent the spread of the disease and to facilitate the repopulation after an outbreak. The choice of disinfectants and of procedures for disinfection should take into consideration the nature of the premises, vehicles and objects to be treated. Disinfectants should further be officially authorised by the veterinary service and the conditions for their use strictly followed. This chapter describes the cleaning and disinfection protocols to apply in pig holdings to prevent the spread of ASFV. Currently available classification of cleaning agents and products is presented in detail as well as different factors that may affect the disinfectant’s efficacy.