We are frequently asked: “What is the best choice of disinfectants for use around our birds?” Unfortunately, there is no single or simple answer and the first question that we should all ask ourselves is what is our level of risk? In other words what types and quantity of infectious agents are we fighting? The levels of infectivity may be compared to the color coded alert levels we see every day to describe our risk of a terrorist attack.

Those of us who have witnessed the recent END (Newcastles Disease) outbreak in the Southwest are well acquainted with the terms Biosecurity and Infection Control procedures. Most are now aware that our birds need to be isolated as much as is practical from unknown birds and that we must know the health status of any bird with whom we come in contact. Please link to Signs of a Sick Bird and Common Causes of Infection on our Parrots Naturally site.

Assuming that our birds are in good health, in a well lighted environment and on a healthy diet, I recommend using the least toxic product that will do the job. The two factors that should be kept in mind are the effectiveness of the product vs. possible adverse effect on your bird.

• Natural products such as good old fashioned vinegar and GSE are effective in dealing with everyday bacteria, fungus and mold. Their effectiveness is somewhat related to their regular use. In other words, using a diluted solution of vinegar or GSE several times a week to wipe down the cage and perches is generally effective and is not harmful to your bird. A weekly thorough outdoor cleaning and hosing of the cage is highly recommended. For this thorough cleaning we use and recommend chlorine dioxide. Sunlight is one of the best natural disinfectants, but be sure to dry your cage before leaving it out. Rust will develop on cages that have been drilled for bar placement. Cages with welded bar connections are less likely to develop rust.

• Bleach or Sodium hypochlorite is a stronger disinfectant. A 1-10 dilution of bleach will destroy most bacteria, fungi and molds and even many viruses with the proper exposure time. (Please refer to the accompanying charts for detailed information.) Although we do use bleach for some cleaning jobs, we never use it around the birds. We bleach towels, cloth or braided toys and other washable items, but always rinse thoroughly and dry before returning to the bird’s environment.

• Enzymatic products such as Poop Off, which digest organic material and disinfect are excellent for cleaning perches, corners of cages, upholstery, carpets, etc. As with other products, we are probably overly cautious, but prefer to rinse and wipe all products returned to the bird’s environment.

• Hand Disinfectants are a frequently ignored factor in our infection control plan. Everyone that has purchased a parrot from us has had to endure the “Babies have an undeveloped immune system” lecture. I believe that all of should get in the habit of washing our hands with a good disinfecting soap before handling our parrots. This does not need to be obsessive, but studies have shown that many infections are contracted from hand contact and people who wash frequently have statistically relevant fewer infections. There is some controversy with the overuse of antimicrobial hand disinfectants and their contribution to the proliferation of resistant strains of organisms. But this argument can be applied to the use of all products that kill or inactivate bacteria or other organisms.

• Bleach or Sodium Hypochlorite is effective against many viruses and and even some resistant organisms. It is not however safe or practical to use around our birds or in many situations in our homes. A good example is the fact that it was used as a foot disinfectant in baths during the Newcastles Disease outbreak, Yes, it will inactivate the virus and may be practical outdoors, but people using it on their front porches for foot baths still have a trail of footprints on colored carpet. For disinfecting after a disease outbreak or when birds can be removed from an area, bleach is an effective disinfectant for most microorganisms. In studies of Polyomavirus inactivation Branson Ritchie DVM and his research associates concluded that “sodium hypochlorite (0.525% Clorox) was the most economical effective agent.”

• Chlorhexidine (Nolvasan) a commonly used disinfectant is considered safe when diluted according to the manufacturer’s direction. It is effective against a broad spectrum of organisms and was recommended by the Newcastles Task force and the FDA as an effective product. This is the disinfectant that we have used in footbaths because of its low level of toxicity and the fact that has not damaged shoes, a concern of many of our customers. In spite of some claims, we are concerned about its lack of effectiveness against Polyomavirus. This was reported By Branson Ritchie DVM and his group in a 2001 study.

• Chlorine Dioxide has shown effectiveness against a wide variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses including Polyomavirus. At proper dilutions it is considered safe for humans and animals and is used to eliminate potential pathogens from drinking water in many water districts. It is superior to chlorine because it not form carcinogenic trihalomethanes, chlorophenols or chloramines. We have used this compound for many years and are now selling the Avicide brand. In our opinion this is the safest, effective product available for many applications in the home and aviary.

There are other disinfectants, mostly highly effective but also highly toxic and corrosive products that have application in areas of high risk, such as veterinary clinics, breeders and retailers who deal in unknown birds, etc. But they have no use in our homes or around our healthy birds and therefore will not be discussed here.

This discussion reflects our opinions based upon experience in our aviaries and with our pet birds. Be sure to consult with your Avian Veterinarian if you have questions about the effectiveness or toxicity of any product.