Veterinary medicine plays an important role in protecting the health and welfare of both domestic and wild animals. In this field, preventing the spread of infections is very important since it helps in maintaining animal health and controlling zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are infections transferred from animals to humans. Effective disinfection practices are essential for managing and preventing these zoonotic infections. EN 14347 is a European standard that provides guidelines for testing the effectiveness of chemical disinfectant products against resilient spores present in the veterinary area. This article explains about the role of EN 14347 test standard in evaluating the efficacy of veterinary disinfectants.

The important role of disinfection in Veterinary medicine

Preventing disease spread

Disinfection in veterinary settings is vital for several reasons mainly to prevent the spread of pathogens that can cause diseases. Veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and farms are environments where various animals interact closely making them potential hotspots for the transmission of infectious diseases. Effective disinfection helps break the chain of infection safeguarding animal health and preventing outbreaks.

Protecting human health

Disinfection is crucial in protecting the health of humans who interact with or are in the vicinity of animals. Zoonotic diseases cause a significant public health risk. We can significantly decrease the risk of animal-to-human disease transmission by practicing thorough disinfection regularly.

Role of EN 14347 testing for veterinary disinfectants

EN 14347 is a standard test method designed to analyze the sporicidal activity of chemical disinfectants used in the veterinary field. It provides a detailed protocol for testing and validating that veternary disinfectants are effective against various bacterial pathogens found in the veterinary sector. The standard considers several factors including

• the types of bacteria, 
• the conditions under which the disinfectant is used

For a product to pass the strict criteria set by EN 14347, it must demonstrate at least 4 log reduction in viable spore counts under the prescribed test conditions. This includes specific temperature settings and exposure durations. The standard also specifies the types of bacterial spores that should be used in the tests mainly Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus which are commonly involved in infections in veterinary contexts. It is assumed that disinfectants that pass the criteria of EN14347 will not allow the pathogens to survive in environments like veterinary clinics, kennels, and animal shelters thus potentially reducing the chances of disease outbreaks.

Standard testing procedures for veterinary disinfectants

EN 14347 provides a standardized method for testing disinfectants. This method includes specific conditions under which the disinfectants should be tested, such as contact time and temperature factors that mimic the actual conditions in which the disinfectants will be used. In this phase 1 suspension test, 8 parts of the test product are added to 1 part of the test microorganism and 1 part of water. The mixture is allowed to interact for a specific duration of the contact time and the residual live pathogen is enumerated to observe the log reduction in infectious bacterial count. 

Adaptability to veterinary needs

Veterinary environments present unique disinfection challenges due to the diversity of animals and potential bacteria that might be present. EN 14347 considers these specific needs by including test organisms relevant to veterinary settings such as bacteria known to cause animal diseases. This ensures that the veterinary disinfectants are tested against pathogens of actual concern in these settings.

Compliance and regulation

Often manufacturers of veterinary disinfectants are required to make sure that their products comply with EN 14347 standard as a part of their regulatory requirement. This standard is also essential for regulatory agencies that monitor animal health products. Manufacturers can make sure their products are proven as safe and effective by meeting the requirements of EN 14347. This is necessary to build trust with veterinarians and those who care for animals.

Building confidence 

It’s important for vets and animal care staff to use disinfectant products to protect the health of animals and humans. The EN 14347 standard provides confidence in these products by making sure they meet standard requirements for sporicidal activity. This helps keep diseases under control and improves health in vet clinics ensuring all veterinary practices are done safely.

Microbial Investigations Switzerland (MIS) offers comprehensive testing and validation services for disinfectants and antiseptics used in veterinary settings. 

With a team of experts and state-of-the-art facilities, MIS is dedicated to advancing the science of microbial testing.  Our services are designed to help clients navigate the complexities of regulatory standards ensuring their products meet the highest levels of safety and efficacy.

Understanding that each product and its application is unique, MIS offers customized testing services as per the client’s needs enabling them to make high-quality veterinary disinfectants that meet industry standards.

To get a quote on EN 14347 or for more information on our services, consult with our experts today.