Infectious Threats and the Rising Stakes
In recent years, the global resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and African swine fever (ASF) has placed immense strain on agricultural systems. Entire poultry and pig populations have been culled in efforts to contain outbreaks, with countries from the UK to China and South Africa experiencing devastating losses.
But these epidemics are no longer just livestock issues—they’re directly tied to food security, global trade stability, and increasingly, public health, particularly as the risk of zoonotic transmission continues to grow.
The Link Between Surfaces and Spread
While most biosecurity efforts focus on controlling animal movement and airborne risks, one of the most persistent vectors is the contaminated surface.
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), viruses like H5N1 can survive on surfaces for up to 4 days, especially in cool, moist environments.
In barns, pens, and enclosures, pathogens find refuge in biofilms—sticky layers of organic debris where bacteria, viruses, and fungi can thrive even after standard cleaning. Faecal matter, bedding residues, spilled feed, and water leaks all contribute to microbial load.
Did you know? ASF virus DNA has been detected on pen surfaces 7+ days after exposure, despite basic cleaning—underscoring the need for integrated hygiene solutions that go beyond surface-level sanitation.
SANI-FOAM™: Dual-Action Defence with Built-In Disinfection
Against this backdrop of persistent risk and evolving regulation, farms need tools that are not only effective but efficient. That’s where SANI-FOAM™ comes in.
Developed by Scientific Sanitation Solutions, SANI-FOAM™ is a next-generation cleaning and disinfection solution designed specifically for sectors where biosecurity is mission-critical—including agriculture, veterinary care, and food production.
What Makes SANI-FOAM™ Different?
SANI-FOAM™ combines advanced surfactants with the broad-spectrum antimicrobial power of SANI-99™, delivering true dual-action protection:
- Breaks down biofilms and organic debris
- Kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact
- Contains potassium peroxymonosulfate, proven to denature viral proteins and disrupt microbial membranes
- Biodegradable and non-toxic when used as directed, safe around animals and humans
- Rapid defoaming enables quick drying and faster turnaround in high-use spaces
With SANI-FOAM™, disinfection isn’t an afterthought—it’s built in.
Scientific Hygiene: From Lab to Livestock
Effective cleaning in agricultural environments starts with understanding the chemistry of surfaces.
Barn walls, concrete floors, and feeding stations are rarely smooth—they’re full of pores, cracks, and organic buildup. Surfactants in SANI-FOAM™ reduce surface tension, helping the formula spread evenly, penetrate deeper, and dislodge contaminants that other cleaners leave behind.
The foam application allows product to cling to vertical and overhead surfaces, while the quick defoaming action ensures it rinses easily—an ideal combination for large-scale agricultural operations under time pressure.
Cleaning Best Practices Backed by Regulation
Both DEFRA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommend the following multi-stage hygiene protocol in animal housing:
- Pre-clean to remove visible solids
- Clean with a surfactant-based solution
- Rinse thoroughly
- Disinfect with a biocide
- Allow to dry completely
SANI-FOAM™ simplifies this routine by combining stages 2 and 4, saving time while ensuring scientifically validated pathogen control. This helps reduce labour costs, improves safety, and ensures surfaces are both clean and microbiologically safe.
Environmental Hygiene = Animal Health
Sanitising surfaces isn’t just about ticking a box—it has a direct impact on animal health and farm productivity.
A 2021 study in northern Spain showed a 25% drop in post-weaning diarrhoea among piglets when upgraded hygiene protocols were implemented. More broadly, clean facilities:
- Reduce antibiotic reliance (supporting AMR reduction goals)
- Improve animal comfort and immune function
- Lower cross-contamination risks between pens and equipment
- Support better feed conversion rates and profitability
From poultry sheds to pig transport trailers, SANI-FOAM™ is helping operations reduce microbial loads where it matters most.
Looking Ahead: Hygiene as Resilience
As climate change, intensified farming, and globalised trade reshape the risk landscape, hygiene becomes a pillar of biosecurity strategy.
SANI-FOAM™ offers farms, clinics, and processing facilities an eco-conscious, science-based sanitation solution that doesn’t compromise. With built-in SANI-99™ disinfection, it ensures your environments are not only visibly clean—but truly protected.
Because in the age of HPAI and ASF, cleaning isn’t just about appearances.
It’s about protection. Prevention. And preparation for whatever comes next.
References & Further Reading
- World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH): Avian Influenza
- EFSA Journal. (2022). Cleaning and Disinfection in Animal Housing
- DEFRA Biosecurity Measures
- Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation (2020). ASF Surface Contamination Studies
- European Medicines Agency (2021). Antimicrobial Reduction in Food-Producing Animals
- Scientific Sanitation Solutions. SANI-FOAM™ & SANI-99™ Brochures www.scisan.co.uk
