Choosing the Right Veterinary Disinfectant: A Scientific Look at the Challenges and Solutions

IIn veterinary practice, infection control is non-negotiable. Whether dealing with routine sanitation or outbreak containment, effective disinfection protects not just animal health but also the safety of staff and the integrity of clinical operations.

But selecting the right disinfectant isn’t straightforward. From efficacy and compatibility to regulatory compliance and safety concerns, veterinarians must weigh multiple critical factors. Here’s a closer look at the most common challenges — and a science-backed solution that rises above them.

Common Challenges in Veterinary Disinfectant Selection

1. Spectrum of Efficacy

Veterinary settings require disinfectants that are effective against a broad range of pathogens — not just bacteria, but also viruses, fungi, and spores. These organisms vary in resistance. Non-enveloped viruses like Canine Parvovirus, for example, are notoriously difficult to inactivate.

Many disinfectants fail to address this full spectrum or do not support their claims with testing under veterinary-specific standards.

2. Regulatory Requirements

Veterinary professionals must often comply with strict standards, such as:

• DEFRA approval for statutory disease control
• EN standards for veterinary disinfectants (e.g., EN 1656, EN 14349)
• EU Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR) classifications (PT 3 and PT 4)

However, many products lack these certifications or rely on general-purpose validations, limiting their relevance in animal health environments.

3. Surface Compatibility and Safety

Veterinary clinics include a variety of surfaces—metal, rubber, plastic, wood, textiles—and disinfectants must be effective across all of them. Furthermore, many traditional disinfectants contain harsh chemicals (e.g., aldehydes, chlorine, alcohols) that can cause respiratory irritation, skin sensitivity, or paw discomfort.

Respiratory health is especially critical: airborne irritants from scented or volatile products can elevate stress in animals and compromise staff well-being.

4. Speed and Ease of Use

Time efficiency is vital in busy clinical workflows. Disinfectants with long dwell times or complex mixing ratios can slow down procedures and introduce risk through incorrect preparation.

5. Environmental Impact

Sustainability is a growing priority. Veterinary practices increasingly seek disinfection solutions that reduce waste, minimize emissions, and avoid single-use packaging—without sacrificing efficacy.

Introducing a New Standard: SANI-99™ for Vets

SANI-99™ for Vets was developed specifically to overcome these challenges. Backed by over 30 independent tests across EN standards and DEFRA protocols, it delivers powerful, fast-acting disinfection with unmatched safety and sustainability.

Key Benefits:

• LOG 7 efficacy (99.99995%) with kill times from just 10 seconds, including surrogates for parvovirus, norovirus, and avian influenza
• DEFRA-approved for key notifiable diseases: Foot and Mouth, Avian Influenza, and Newcastle Disease
• Fear Free compliant, non-toxic, fragrance-free, and residue-free — no respiratory irritation or skin sensitivity for animals or staff
• Sustainable powder format with compact sachets that reduce storage needs and transport emissions
• No disposal required for 180 days once mixed; simple dilution at 6g per litre
• Chlorine- and alcohol-free, non-corrosive and safe on all surfaces
• Compatible with a wide range of materials including stainless steel, plastics, rubber, wood, and textiles

Comparative Table: SANI-99™ vs Other Common Disinfectants

Veterinary professionals deserve a disinfectant that meets the same high standards they apply to animal care. SANI-99™ for Vets provides superior efficacy, rapid action, respiratory safety, and environmental responsibility—all in one solution.

Now available exclusively through SAMAXIA and via Covetrus Wholesalers UK.

Order or request a sample today at www.samaxia.com