Disinfecting is also called decontaminating and you always do it after regular cleaning, or during that process. You always want to remove the visible dirt before you disinfect. It seems tricky when you do this for the first time, but it really is easier than it looks! You prefer to disinfect at least once a month, so that you can be really sure that bacteria and viruses have no chance to grow and make you or the hedgehog sick. Disinfection destroys all micro-organisms and/or parasites that are located in the accommodation.
Micro-organisms
- Fungi and yeasts (e.g. ringworm)
- Bacteria (eg Salmonella)
- Viruses (eg adenovirus)
- Protozoa (eg Cryptosporidium)
Parasites
- Worms (eg roundworms)
- Arthropods (e.g. mites)
Ways of desinfecting
There are different ways to disinfect a residence: physical disinfection or chemical disinfection. Depending on the type of accommodation, both types can be used perfectly, but chemical disinfection is most often used with small animals such as hedgehogs. With this type of disinfection, you use a liquid disinfectant in the same way as a cleaner. Disinfectants that can be used are, for example, chlorine, Dettol, lysol, Halamid S or Stafilex combi. When buying a disinfectant, pay close attention to the packaging: each disinfectant works against a certain group of microorganisms, bacteria and viruses. Physical disinfection is done with steam or by flambé.
Order of desinfecting
Clean the enclosure according to the manual in this article. Stop at step 9 and follow the four steps below.
- Dilute the indicated amount of disinfectant with the indicated number of liters of water according to the package.
- Pour the diluted disinfectant into the residence and allow it to act for at least 15 minutes, often the reaction time is also stated on the packaging.
- Pour the diluted disinfectant out of the accommodation after the exposure time has elapsed.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Follow the guide in the cleaning article again from step 11.
Package inserts of desinfectants
The package inserts of disinfectants are always good to read before purchasing. This is because the package leaflet contains important information such as the active ingredient and the carrier substance that reduce the concentration and toxicity of the product, the legal instructions for use, the instructions for use of the product such as the exposure time, the usage concentration for how much disinfectant must be dissolved in water and the admission number. Basically everything you need to know about the product.
Storing desinfectants
Disinfectants are chemical products and must therefore be stored correctly.
- In a separate room that is well ventilated, dry and lockable
- All packaging must be stored with the label facing forward
- The resources must be stored clear of the ground, for example in a cupboard
- There should be no food, food or drink in the vicinity
- Do not mix cleaning agents and disinfectants
- No combustible materials may be stored in the same room
- All packaging must be properly closed
