What is Derma-Quat?

Derma-Quat is a totally new concept in equine bio-security. The product is a blend of carefully selected surfactants (wetting agents) detergents, disinfectants and antiseptics

Derma-Quat at 1/100 dilution can also be used as a disinfectant (wash or spray) for hard surfaces and fabrics, stable blocks, horse boxes and vehicles, stable equipment such as girth straps, saddle, harnesses, bridles, head stalls and riding boots etc., as a fogging agent to achieve aerial disinfection of stables, horse boxes etc.

DERMA-QUAT IS FAST-ACTING, EFFECTIVE AND SAFE AND CAN REPLACE ALL YOUR

SANITIZERS, DISINFECTANTS AND ANTISEPTICS!

Derma-Quat contains a mixture of active ingredients, including biguanide polymer and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs or Quats) which act together to give a rapid kill of a wide range of microbes; including bacteria, bacterial endospores, viruses, and fungi (moulds and yeasts) at low concentrations.

Derma-Quat retains its activity in hard water, does not cause surface streaks and is low in foaming. At normal-use concentrations Derma-Quat can be used and handled without PPE and is environmentally friendly: containing no alcohol, VOCs, chlorine, peroxgens or formaldehyde.

Biguanides are widely used as a disinfectant for medical and/dental utensils and trays, wound dressings and fabrics, farm equipment, hard surfaces in the food industry and hospitals and drinking water for farm animals. They are also used as a biocide for swimming pool treatments.  As a preservative, biguanides can be found in many cosmetics, including personal care products, fabric softeners, contact lens solutions and hand washes/wipes. The biguanide polymer used in Derma-Quat is rapidly gaining acceptance in the medical field as the first choice for the treatment of locally infected and critically colonised wounds and is also recommended for wound washing.

QACs are also widely used as disinfectants and are the active ingredients in a wide range of household and janitorial cleaning products, and in solutions used for sterilizing medical and dental instruments. QACs are also widely used as preservatives in eye drops, nasal sprays and mouthwashes, and as biocides in a number of industrial processes (water treatment, paper processing and wood preservation). QACs also behave as detergents providing a foaming and cleansing action

Antimicrobial Activity of Derma-Quat

Biguanides and QACs are proven, well-documented biocides with broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of microbes. Initial testing using Derma-Quat has demonstrated enhanced efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, bacterial endospores and viruses at a dilution rate of 1:100.

At dilutions of 1:50 Derma-Quat will inactivate both enveloped and naked RNA/DNA viruses including a range of medically important viruses including Herpes simplex type 1 (Herpesviridae), Influenza Hong Kong Virus (Orthomyxoviridae) and Vaccinia (Poxviridae). Derma-Quat has also been shown to be highly effective against viruses associated with gastroenteritis (Rotavirus) and also a range of bird and animal viruses including Foot and Mouth Virus (Picornaviridae), Herpes virus, Coronavirus, Poxvirus and Parvovirus. Pathogenic Avian influenza virus (both H7N1 and H5N1) will require higher concentrations of Derma-Quat. Research indicates that Derma-Quat rapidly penetrates the cell walls and membranes of microbial cells, causing leakage of the cytoplasmic contents and cell death. Derma-Quat also inactivates microbial DNA and RNA, preventing cell growth and multiplication of bacteria, bacterial endospores, moulds and yeasts; and replication of viruses.

Derma-Quat: Bio-security

Equine infections and diseases are spread in a number of ways.

The most common way is by direct contact with another animal, usually another horse or pony; or by exposure to domestic, farm, and wild animals; and insects. Horses can also come into direct contact with contaminated surfaces in the stable block, soil, equipment, vehicles and people who have been exposed to diseased animals.

NUEVO - Active against EHV 1-5 Herpes Virus, GaHV-1 and HSV1

Derma-Quat: disinfection of contaminated surfaces. Stables, Horse Boxes, stalls, vehicles, etc.

-   Remove all equipment (feeding and drinking troughs, buckets etc.),

-   Remove all organic material (soil, mud, dung, used bedding etc.) using forks, shovels and brushes,

-   Disinfect all surfaces with Derma-Quat solution (1:100 dilution rate) using either a pressure washer,

    hand or knapsack-sprayer or watering can, and leave to dry.

-   Disinfect removed equipment by washing/spaying with Derma-Quat solution (1:100 dilution rate), rinse

     with clean water and allow to dry, and then replace equipment and replenish feed and bedding.

-   Alternatively, clean and disinfect removed equipment in a DNQ Ultrasonic Bath, using Derma-Quat

     solution for cleaning and disinfection, dry before use.

Contaminated air can also spread pathogenic microbes; as stable dust, airborne nasal discharges, faeces and urine can transmit infection from horse to horse. Aerosolized water droplets from running taps, and particularly hoses and water jets can also pose an infection risk to horses (and handlers) – as they can spray infected materials into the air [these aerosols and can also act as a source of Legionnaires’ Disease, which can affect both humans and horses].

Derma-Quat  : Aerial Disinfection (whole room/vehicle/horse-box disinfection)

Fogging/misting of enclosed areas with Derma-Quat solution (1:100 dilution rate) can achieve aerial disinfection – removing airborne microbes, and surface disinfection by depositing Derma-Quat solution on exposed surfaces. DNQ Limited can advise on a range of suitable equipment ranging from hand-held cold foggers (capacity: 3.8 l, flow: 60 l per hour), up to free-standing/wheel-mounted units delivering up to 180 litres per hour (up to a distance of 30 metres).

Contaminated feed, water and bedding can also act as a source of infection, however these are generally dealt with as matters of animal husbandry/house-keeping rather than disinfection procedures.

Dr David L Webber                                                                                             27th August 2012

Microbiologist

s.emmett@dnqservices.com