VALUE OF DISINFECTANTS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 431, 17 January 1912, Page 3

VALUE OF DISINFECTANTS.

As disease is better understood it becomes more closely identified with germs and bacteria. Hence, to lessen disease we must destroy, so far as possible, the disease-producing germs. For this purpose nothing is better than sunlight and disinfec tants. Sunlight is itselc death to all germs; therefore, all stables, and the living quarters for farm animals, should be light and airy, and free from damp corners and lodgment places for dust, vermin, and bacteria. Even when animals are in good health, disinfection is a splendid means of warding off disease. For sometimes with the rgeatest care germs are admitted in some manner or form. By constantly disinfecting, the of any encroachment by germs is greatly lessened. Fortunately, we have disinfectants that are eaisly applied and easily obtained at small cost. One of these disinfecting materials is lime, just ordinary slaked lime, the lime that every farmer knows. While it does not possess the disinfecting power of many other agents, it is, nevertheless, very desirable for sprinkling about stables and for whitewashing floors, walls, and partitions. When so used the cracks and holes are filled and the germs destroyed. Ordinary farm stables should be white-washed once or twice each year, and crumbled lime sprinkled on the litter or open ground. It is not desirable to use lime with bedding and manure, for the reason that it liberates the nitrogen contained therein. Hence the bedding and manure should be

removed to the fields as frequently as possible, where it can be more helpful to the land. Thus scattered the sunlight and purifying effects of the soil will soon destroy the disease bacteria, if any are present in the manure. Another splendid disinfectant is corrosive sublimate-mercuric chloride, as it is often called. Use one ounce in eight gallons of water. This makes one-tenth of one per cent, solution. In preparing this disinfectant, allow the material to stand for several hours, so as to permit the chemical t*> become entirely dissolved. This solution should be carefully guarded and protected, since it is a poison, and if drunk by animals is liable to cause death. If infected quarters are to be disinfected, see that the loose dirt and litter is first removed before applying the sublimate. Carbolic acid is another'satisfactory disinfectant. Usually a five per cent, solution ia recommended. It can be easily applied to mangers, stalls, and feed boxes. Enough should be applied so that the wood or iron is made wet and the cracks and holes more or less filled. Chloride of lime is a cheap and an easily prepared disinfectant. Use 10 ounces of chloride of lime to two gallons of water. This makes a four per cent, solution, and should be applied in the same way as the corrosive sublimate. Formalin has come int« prominence very recently as a desirable disinfectant. A five per cent, solution fills the bill. Floors and cracks should be made thoroughly wet with it. By using one or more of these agents the living quarters of farm animals can be kept wholesome, sweet, and free from germ diseases. In fact, the use of disinfectants is one of the best aids of the farmer in warding off disease, and in lessening its effects when once present. —Farmers' Veterinarian. |