Biocidal effects of a wipe-down procedure using common veterinary cleansers on microbial burden within working canine exterior coats

Introduction Recent work demonstrating reduction of aerosolized contamination via a wipe-down procedure using common veterinary antiseptics offers promise regarding health concerns associated with cross-contamination from working canines to humans. While mechanical can be achieved procedure, the biocidal impact on flora within exterior coat is unknown. Methodology This study assessed bacterial community canine. Lint-free towels were saturated 2% chlorhexidine gluconate scrub, or 7.5% povidone-iodine scrub diluted at 1:4 ratio. Treatments rotated across dorsal aspect kennel housed Foxhounds ( n = 30). Sterile swabs collected in triplicate prior to, and following wipe down, stored Amies solution 4°C, plated onto nutrient agar colony forming units (CFU) was measured both treatments. Statistical analysis utilizing PROC GLM examined effects treatment p ≤ 0.05). Molecular 16S rRNA gene completed for 3 hounds. Results Reduction CFU < 0.001) antiseptics. Qualitative molecular data indicated that had effect dominant microbial gram-positive, spore-forming taxa predominating post-treatment. Conclusion Effective strategies cleansers should further investigated incorporated safeguard canine prevent human personnel.