UNIVERSITY OF
CALIFORNIA
Division of Agriculture
and Natural Resources
http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu
Footbaths for Animal Facilities:
Easier Than You Think!
BRIgId A. MCCREA, Postdoctoral Employee, Department of Animal Science, University of
California, Davis; FRANCINE A. BRAdLEY, UCCE Poultry Extension Specialist, UC Davis
WhAT LURkS ON ThE SOLES OF MAN
Did you know that humans are often the main reason for the spread of disease?
Human footwear—the “sole” of the problem—is often not cleaned. Biosecurity
involves training people and managing risk so that farmers do not unintentionally
introduce disease to their livestock. Some organisms can live for days or weeks in
dust and dirt, both of which stay on footwear. Footbaths are an easy, inexpensive, and
an extremely valuable element of farm biosecurity. Biosecurity is a mindset: learn how
to use it for the benefit of farm animals.
PUBLICATION 8281
Figure 2. A cat litter pan is a good size for use as a footbath.
kEYS TO FOOTBATh SUCCESS:
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Closely examine the traffic patterns in and around the area where animals
are housed. Place the footbath in a location where everyone who comes
into the farm must pass through. Post a sign (fig. 1) indicating that foot-
baths must be used and give directions on proper cleaning methods. If
possible, place the footbath on a solid surface such as concrete, brick, or
cinder block. This will allow people to use the footbath without creating
mud in the area. A solid surface can also be swept or hosed to eliminate
the buildup of dirt that can quickly pollute a footbath.
EqUIPMENT
• A tray with short sides, such as those used to bus tables in restau-
rants or a cat litter pan (fig. 2).
• A long-handled utility brush (fig. 3).
• A hose or spigot for mixing new batches of disinfectant (fig. 4).
• A small synthetic bristle or “fake grass” doormat (fig. 5).
• Depending on the location and the type of disinfectant used, a plastic
lid may be needed to prevent contamination or inactivation of the disin-
fectant. A plastic storage container (whose sides are not transparent)
with a lid may be beneficial (fig. 6).
Figure 1. Sample biosecurity sign.
FOR BIOSECURITY
PURPOSES
STEP INTO FOOT
BATH BEFORE
PROCEEDING
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2 ANR Publication 8281
SETTINg UP ThE FOOTBATh
To set up the footbath, place the plastic container in the selected location. Cut the
mat to fit inside the plastic container (fig. 7). Mix the disinfectant according to label
directions and hang the long-handled utility brush within reach. Post directions and
signs at eye level and indicate how old footbath disinfectant should be disposed. Train
people in the proper way to use the footbath (see “How to Use a Footbath,” below).
dISINFECTANTS
• Always mix disinfectants according to the label directions.
• Post directions on how to mix disinfectants.
• Select a disinfectant that kills bacteria as well as viruses.
• Keep in mind that some disinfectants are inactivated by sunlight or may have
other requirements. For more information on disinfectants, see PFS No. 27:
Sanitation-Disinfection Basics ( http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/Avian/pfs27.htm).
• Most disinfectants can be ordered online or from your local feed store.
• Recommended disinfectants (fig. 8) include
° Tek-Trol, made by AgriLabs
° 1-Stroke Environ, made by Steris
Figure 3. Long-handled
utility brush
Figure 4. A hose is handy for mixing disinfectant. Figure 5. A mat should be used in the bottom
of the footbath.
Figure 6. A covered container with opaque sides is another option for a footbath.
http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/Avian/pfs27.htm
3 ANR Publication 8281
hOW TO USE A FOOTBATh
Appropriate footwear must be worn through a footbath. Flip-
flops or sandals are popular in the summer, but they should
not be worn through a footbath. Read the disinfectant label
carefully and inform all who use the footbath about the risks
of exposure to skin. The use of plastic or rubber overshoes is
strongly recommended for wearing in a footbath. If footwear
is soiled when entering a footbath, the disinfecting process
will be ineffective. Dedicated overshoes (plastic or rubber)
should be available at the footbath for both farm guests and
regular users to wear through the footbath and on the farm.
Expensive footwear probably should not pass through a foot-
bath where staining or bleaching could occur. Read disinfec-
tant labels carefully and follow any precautions.
Remove all debris from shoes before entering the foot-
bath. Debris includes sticks, leaves, mud, or large quantities
of manure. Debris on shoes reduces the effectiveness of the
disinfectant. Provide a hose in inclement weather to remove
mud from shoes.
When stepping into the footbath, immerse the whole
tread of the shoe into the fluid. Rub shoes vigorously on the
plastic mat to ensure that the entire sole is scrubbed thoroughly.
Use a long-handled brush as needed. Disinfectant should be
left on the footwear after passing through the footbath (fig. 9).
Figure 7. Footbath in preparation.
Figure 8. Disinfectant in a
gallon-size container
Figure 9. Footbath in use.
D i s i n F e c ta n t
4 ANR Publication 8281
Maintain Your Footbath
Footbaths should be cleaned as soon as the fluid begins to appear dirty; this often
means weekly cleaning. Follow label instructions when disposing of used disinfectant.
Footbaths should not be emptied in the immediate area of the wash station to prevent
a wet, muddy area from developing. Scrub the empty container and mat with a brush
and rinse them thoroughly. Add fresh disinfectant and place the mat back into the
footbath. Hanging a long-handled brush near the footbath allows users to adequately
clean the footbath as well as their footwear.
a handY alternative
If someone protests about using a footbath, have disposable plastic boot covers or
overshoes for them to wear. These cost very little and are an effective biosecurity tool.
how Much will a Footbath cost?
Cat litter pan $4.50–8.50
Mat $6.50–9.00
Long-handled utility brush $5.50–6.00
Disinfectant (1 gal) $27.00–37.00
Total $43.50–60.50
conclusion
Creating a footbath is not as difficult as one may think. The setup and maintenance of
a footbath is straightforward and simple. The cost of setting one up is well worth the
effort when compared with the cost of replacing all the animals on a farm or paying
veterinary bills due to illness. Depending on the location, it may be prudent to provide
more than one footbath (i.e., for main entrances and separate quarantine areas). Many
owners have rare genetic lines of livestock and want to provide their animals with the
best care, so farm managers should make sure that effective biosecurity steps are being
taken to prevent the introduction of disease.
resources
Grooms, D., and D. Ross 2001. Biosecurity starts with your feet. Michigan Dairy
Review 6(4): 3-5; http://www.msu.edu/user/mdr/archives/mdrvol6no4.pdf.
Poultry Fact Sheet (PFS) No. 27: Sanitation-disinfection basics. UC Poultry Web
Page, http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/Avian/pfs27.htm.
USDA biosecurity guide for poultry and bird owners. Program Aid no. 1885, 2006.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Web site, http://www.
aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/content/printable_version/USDA_
BioGuide_Eng_8-2006.pdf.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/content/printable_…
http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/Avian/pfs27.htm
http://www.msu.edu/user/mdr/archives/mdrvol6no4.pdf
5 ANR Publication 8281
For Further inFormation
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Publication 8281
ISBN-13: 978-1-60107-496-6
This publication has been anonymously peer reviewed for technical accuracy by University of
California scientists and other qualified professionals. This review process was managed by the
ANR Associate Editor for Animal, Avian, and Aquaculture Sciences.
©2008 The Regents of the University of California
Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
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Footbaths for Animal Facilities: Easier Thank You Think!
What Lurks on the Soles of Man
Keys to Footbath Success: Location, Location, Location
Figure 1. Sample biosecurity sign.
Equipment
Figure 2. A cat litter pan is a good size for use as a footbath.
Figure 3. Long-handled utility brush
Figure 4. A hose is handy for mixing disinfectant.
Figure 5. A mat should be used in the bottom of the footbath.
Figure 6. A covered container with opaque sides is another option for a footbath.
Setting up the Footbath
Figure 7. Footbath in preparation.
Disinfectants
Figure 8. Disinfectant in a gallon-size container.
How to Use a Footbath
Figure 9. Footbath in use.
Maintain Your Footbath
A Handy Alternative
How Much Will a Foothbath Cost?
Conclusion
Resources
For Further Information
ISBN13: ISBN 13: 978-1-60107-525-3
