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Frequently asked questions about cleaning, disinfection and animal health

Answers to common questions about our products and practical biosecurity—from preparing a Virkon™S solution to drinking-water hygiene, coccidiosis control and digestive health in companion animals.

About Virkon™S

01How long can a Virkon™S solution be used?

A 1% Virkon™S solution remains stable for one to two weeks. We recommend preparing only the quantity you currently need. The pink colour is an indicator: when the colour disappears, efficacy declines and the solution must be replaced.

02Why is Virkon™S supplied only as a powder?

A Virkon™S solution remains stable for only one to two weeks. The powder is easy to store and transport, is not classified for ADR transport, occupies little space and keeps shipping costs relatively low.

03What is the shelf life of Virkon™S?

At least three years after production when stored in a cool, dry place.

04How do I prepare a 1% Virkon™S solution?

Dissolve 10 grams of Virkon™S powder in one litre of water. Wait until the solution is clear and pink. Dissolving may take longer in hard water.

05How does Virkon™S work?

Virkon™S is a blend of six biocidal components that act together on different structures within microorganisms, giving it a broad spectrum of activity. To date, no tested organism has demonstrated resistance. The product has been available for forty years, since 1986.

06Is Virkon™S effective against fungi?

Yes. Virkon™S is effective against fungi and fungal spores. Relevant test reports are available on request.

07Which precautions should I take?

A Virkon™S solution is not irritating to the skin or eyes and does not produce toxic fumes. Avoid inhaling the powder.

08Why does a Virkon™S solution sometimes lose its colour within a few days?

Excessive light, organic material or metal instruments can cause oxidising activity to decline more quickly. Replace the solution when its colour disappears. This visual check helps ensure that an active solution is always used.

09Is Virkon™S effective against parvovirus?

Yes. Independent research has found Virkon™S effective against canine parvovirus. Thorough pre-cleaning and the correct concentration and contact time remain essential.

10How do I use Virkon™S in a drinking-water line?

Use a 1% solution to clean lines while the building is empty. For water treatment in occupied housing, use no more than 1 gram per litre (1 kg per 1,000 litres). We recommend the Dosatron D3WL2VF dosing pump for accurate dosing.

11How much Virkon™S solution do I need per square metre?

Allow 300 ml of solution per m². A surface area of 100 m² requires 30 litres of 1% solution, equivalent to 300 grams of powder.

Cleaning and disinfection

01Why must I clean before disinfecting?

Organic material such as manure, feed and biofilm blocks and inactivates the disinfectant. An alkaline cleaner can reduce the microbial load by about 99%. Without cleaning, most of the disinfection effort is wasted.

02What is the difference between DeterBio, DeterUltra and Biosolve Plus?

All three are alkaline foam cleaners from LANXESS. DeterBio is approved for organic farming; DeterUltra is intended for heavy soiling and hard water; Biosolve Plus can be sprayed or foamed and is ideal before Virkon™S and Hyperox™.

03How can I check whether cleaning and disinfection were effective?

A hygiene-monitoring test such as Bio-swab™ measures the bacteria left behind. Measurement is the only objective way to confirm that your protocol works.

04Should I alternate disinfectants?

Not with oxidising products such as Virkon™S, because resistance does not develop. Alternating may be useful with some other types.

Biosecurity by sector

01Which disinfectant is effective against African swine fever (ASF)?

Virkon™S and TH5 are effective against the ASF virus. Thorough pre-cleaning and the correct contact time are decisive.

02How can I reduce the risk of avian influenza on my poultry farm?

Prevent contact with wild birds, enforce strict access and changing procedures, keep the hygiene barrier functional and disinfect vehicles and equipment. Virkon™S and TH5 are effective against influenza virus.

03Why is drinking-water hygiene so important?

Drinking water is the most frequently consumed ‘feed’ on a farm and an underestimated route of infection. Biofilm in pipes harbours bacteria. Cleaning lines between production cycles and treating water in occupied housing keep microbial counts under control.

04Why is Q fever a particular risk around kidding?

Large quantities of Coxiella burnetii may be released in the placenta and afterbirth during kidding. It is a zoonosis. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the kidding area and careful disposal of afterbirth reduce the risk; according to its authorisation, Virkon™S is effective against Coxiella burnetii.

Coccidiosis and parasites

01Why does ordinary disinfection not control coccidiosis?

Coccidia and Cryptosporidium oocysts have an extremely resistant wall and survive most disinfectants. A product with demonstrated efficacy against oocysts is required.

02What makes Aldecoc® CMK suitable for coccidiosis control?

Aldecoc® CMK is the only BPR-registered disinfectant with proven efficacy against parasitic oocysts and worm eggs at just 2%. Tests inactivated 99.99% of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts and 100% of Ascaris suum eggs.

03In which animals is coccidiosis a problem?

It affects poultry, calves, goat and sheep kids, rabbits and pigeons, among others. In all these sectors, a disinfectant proven effective against oocysts is fundamental to the control programme.

Digestive health and companion animals

01Which ZooLac paste should I choose?

Choose Propaste for daily and preventive digestive support, Multipaste for loose or watery stools, and Opti Paste for flatulence, gas and abdominal bloating.

02What can help a dog or cat with diarrhoea caused by stress or a change of food?

A probiotic such as the ZooLac range supports the intestinal flora. Ensure adequate water and change food gradually. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

03Do you supply products for stress in companion animals?

Yes. CalmSoul is a complementary feed for nervous dogs and cats with six active ingredients, including passionflower, valerian, L-tryptophan and magnesium.

04Where can I buy the care products?

End users can order products directly through zoolac.nl. Contact Biosecurity BV for advice or larger quantities.

Safety and registration

01What does BPR registration mean?

It means that a biocide’s claimed efficacy and safety have been officially assessed and approved under the Biocidal Products Regulation. This provides assurance about efficacy and legal compliance.

02Which personal protective equipment do I need?

Requirements differ by product. A Virkon™S solution requires little protection, whereas concentrated cleaners and aldehyde disinfectants require full PPE. Always consult the label and safety data sheet.

Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

Is your question not listed?

Contact us for advice about our complete range.