Evaluation of the efficacy of disinfectant footbaths against Salmonella Typhimurium

Disinfectant-filled footbaths are the most commonly used infection control measures on livestock farms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of six commercial disinfectants, as used in footbaths on farms, for reducing Salmonella Typhimurium contamination of footwear. When used at the recommended concentrations, most disinfectants showed over 91% reduction efficacy in absence of organic matter. The greatest reductions were seen with oxidizing agents including potassium peroxymonosulfate-based products and sodium dichloroisocyanurate. These results suggest that disinfectant footbaths could be useful for reducing bacteria; however, footbaths should not be relied upon as the only method of controlling infectious pathogens. General good hygiene practice, for example cleanliness of boots, should be emphasized.