IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT) e-ISSN: 2319-2402,p- ISSN: 2319-2399.Volume 15, Issue 9 Ser. II (September 2021), PP 01-04 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/2402-1509020104 www.iosrjournals.org 1 | Page Effectiveness of Disinfection of Plastic and Wooden Floors in Rabbit Cages Mária Vargová 1 , Katarína Veszelits Laktičová 1 , Jozef Kremeň 2 , František Zigo 3* 1 Department of the Environment, Veterinary Legislation and Economy, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Košice, Slovakia 2 Department of General Competencies, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Košice, Slovakia 3 Department of Nutrition and Animal Breeding, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia *Corresponding author: Zigo František, Assoc. prof. DVM, Ph.D., E-mail address: frantisek.zigo@uvlf.sk Abstract The housing of rabbits is related to hygienic, behavioral, environmental and welfare aspects. Cleaning and disinfecting is imperative to maintain the wellbeing and health of animals. Thorough cleaning and adapted disinfection can help decrease the pathogen level and prevent or break the disease cycle. In this experiment we aimed on the efficacy of disinfection by using disinfectant SANDEZIA ® in powder form applicate by scattering on the plastic or wooden floors of cages at a dose of 50g/m 2 . Total count of bacteria, yeast, molds and coliform bacteria were collected from both type of floors of with microbiological swabs before and after disinfection. Disinfectant SANDEZIA ® was effective on monitored floors where significant decrease of microorganisms, except molds was obtained. After disinfection we determined 6.3x10 3 CFU of TCB (P<0.001); 0 CFU of CB (P<0.001); 0 CFU of yeasts (P<0.05) and 1.6x10 3 CFU of molds on plastic floor. Results from wooden floor was 1.4x10 3 CFU of TCB (P<0.05); 2.2x10 1 CFU of CB (P<0.05); 0 CFU of yeasts (P<0.001) and 3.6x10 3 CFU of molds after disinfection. Presented results from the microbiological swabs represent decrease of microorganisms, in compare with numbers of CFU of microorganisms before disinfection which shows that tested disinfectant SANDEZIA ® can be considered effective disinfectant against monitored microorganisms except molds. Key Word: Disinfection; Disinfectant SANDEZIA ® ; Rabbit cages; Microbiological swabs --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 25-08-2021 Date of Acceptance: 09-09-2021 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Introduction Most of the time, good hygiene is all that is needed to keep rabbits’ environment healthy and prevent the spread of disease. Some sanitary and environmental arrangements are very helpful, including the application of biosecurity programs, the culling and removal of ill or dead animals, cleaning and disinfection of equipment, cages, instruments, insect traps on windows and ventilation intakes and avoiding wild rabbits entering the farm. [1] Sanitation means the maintenance of environmental conditions conducive to health and well-being and involves bedding (as appropriate), cleaning, and disinfection. The goal of any sanitation program is to maintain sufficiently clean and dry bedding, adequate air quality, and clean cage surfaces and accessories. [2] Cleaning removes excessive amounts of excrement, dirt, and debris, and disinfection reduces or eliminates unacceptable concentrations of microorganisms. A pen should ideally be washed and disinfected (with an odorless disinfectant) at least every month. [3] All bedding (hay, shavings, paper, straw, blankets), and litter soiled by urine and faeces should be removed and disposed of. All surfaces of the enclosure, hutch or room should be washed with washing up liquid and water first. [4] After they are dry the surfaces should be wetted thoroughly with a suitable disinfectant. Potentially contaminated surfaces include: cage or run floor, walls, ceiling, door, and door latch, door handles, hay racks, water bottle clips, and any other cage furniture which cannot be removed. individual items that can be removed should be cleaned and then thoroughly wetted in the disinfectant. [5] Definition for disinfection is “a process which reduces the number of organisms present to a level where they do not pose a threat to health”. The key to effective disinfection is good hygiene. Disinfection should not be carried out in the same room as the rabbits. Most disinfectants may cause irritation to the eyes, skin and if inhaled or ingested irritation to the respiratory or digestive system. [6] Halogen-containing disinfectants include chlorine, iodine, bromine and fluorine preparations, which are the most reactive and the most toxic of the halogen compounds. Halogen-containing compounds which are toxic