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NAVTA is led by an engaged Executive Board and Executive Director, and embraces committees to help drive initiatives forward. These committees are made up of NAVTA active members, and are led by a chairperson. Committees have individual structures, term limits, numbers of seats, and focus. Currently, the incoming president appoints chairpersons. Members wanting to sit on a Committee or Chair a Committee are nominated either by themselves or other active NAVTA members.

These Interim Guidelines have been developed by consultation between the American Veterinary Medical Association and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are advisory in nature. They are intended to provide guidance for the care of animals entering shelters and for persons working with or handling the animals in response to natural disasters.

Silver, in disinfection, refers to colloidal nanoparticles of silver that are stabilized by chelating molecules. Silver containing disinfectants have been used extensively for topical wound applications and other medical surface antisepsis and in the past decade the use of silver disinfecting agents has increased dramatically. Silver is generally not effective in the presence of organic soils, so pre-cleaning must be done in order for the disinfectant to be effective. While silver has efficacy against a broad spectrum of pathogens, it has been known to lead to antimicrobial resistance and is a hazard to both the user and the environment.

The antimicrobial capabilities of QUATs were first observed in the 19th century and have been used in disinfectant formulations ever since. QUATs are widely regarded as stable and highly dilutable making them viable, cost-effective solutions. However, QUATs generally have longer contact times, are only readily effective against easier to kill pathogens and accumulate in the environment which can lead to antimicrobial resistance.

The disinfection capabilities of phenolic compounds have been recognized for an extremely long time. Since the 17th century, phenols have been used as dressings on wounds. Today, phenols exhibit a broad range of disinfection capabilities. They show broad microbial efficacy, however this efficacy largely depends on a multitude of environmental factors such as pH, temperature, dilution and soil load. Phenols are extremely active disinfectants which can contaminate the environment with harmful by-products and consistently exhibit a harsh safety profile.

Peracetic acid (PAA) is produced by combining acetic acid (vinegar) and hydrogen peroxide. The result is a peroxide version of acetic acid (vinegar) that has a very distinctive and a pungent vinegary smell. As a cleaner, peracetic performs poorly as it lacks detergency properties. As a germicide, peracetic acid shows fairly strong efficacy against a broad spectrum of pathogens, however, temperature, pH and concentration all play a significant role in determining the antimicrobial properties. Higher concentrations of PAA can strongly sensitize respiratory organs, mucus membrane inflammation and skin and eye irritation.

AHP® formulations contain varying levels of Hydrogen Peroxide in combination with surfactants (detergents), and other inerts. This combination of chemicals works in synergy to provide exceptional cleaning efficiency with broad spectrum efficacy in fast contact times. AHP® leaves no residues on applied surfaces as it turns into water and oxygen upon drying, and imposes no use or environmental hazards. In fact, AHP® formulations have attained one of the safest toxicity profiles as AHP® is non-toxic and non-irritating

Aldehydes, are highly effective, broad spectrum disinfectants, which typically achieve sterilization in soaking applications by denaturing proteins and disrupting nucleic acids. The most commonly used actives are formaldehyde and gluteraldehyde. Aldehydes are effective against bacteria, fungi, viruses, mycobacteria and spores. Aldehydes are non-corrosive to metals, rubber, plastic and cement. These chemicals are highly irritating, toxic to humans or animals with contact or inhalation, and are potentially carcinogenic; therefore their use is limited.

Most people are very familiar with the antimicrobial qualities of chlorine based solutions. Chlorine compounds were recognized for their deodorizing and disinfecting properties in the 19th century and their wide use began soon thereafter. Chlorine has a broad spectrum of efficacy but has no cleaning ability or efficiency. Furthermore, Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent that is highly reactive and has a direct affect on respiratory irritation and toxicity.

Most people are very familiar with the antimicrobial qualities of chlorine based solutions. Chlorine compounds were recognized for their deodorizing and disinfecting properties in the 19th century and their wide use began soon thereafter. Chlorine has a broad spectrum of efficacy but has no cleaning ability or efficiency. Furthermore, Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent that is highly reactive and has a direct affect on respiratory irritation and toxicity

Unlike QUATS, AHP® does not lead to Occupational Asthma or pose concern with loss of efficacy due to negative reactions with commonly used cleaning substrates (e.g. QUAT Binding).

Unlike QUATS and Glutaraldehyde, AHP® is non-toxic ensuring that humans, animals and the environment will not be negatively impacted. Unlike QUATs, there is no concern over loss of efficacy due to negative reactions with commonly used cleaning substrates (e.g. QUAT Binding).

Unlike QUATS and Formaldehyde, AHP® is non-toxic ensuring that humans, animals and the environment will not be negatively impacted. Unlike QUATs, there is no concern over loss of efficacy due to negative reactions with commonly used cleaning substrates (e.g. QUAT Binding).

Unlike Potassium Peroxymonosulfate, AHP® is non-toxic or non-irritating at the in-use dilution protecting users from adverse health effects. AHP® offers a greater spectrum of efficacy against pathogens of concern in realistic contact times, ideal for environments that require quick turnover.

Unlike Phenols, AHP® does not leave any active residues behind on surfaces so occupants are not exposed to toxic chemicals, such as carcinogens. Furthermore this active residue can lead to the development of pathogen resistance.

Unlike Chlorine Dioxide, AHP® is non-­‐toxic at the in-­‐use dilution protecting users from adverse health effects such as Occupational Asthma. AHP® offers a greater spectrum of efficacy against pathogens of concern in realistic contact times without the need to pre-­‐clean surfaces, saving time in fast paced environments.

Unlike Chlorhexidine Diacetate, AHP® does not require activation before use nor does it require pre-cleaning saving time which leads to faster results and lower costs. Furthermore, AHP® has a long shelf life ensuring that product is not wasted.

Unlike Bleach, AHP® is non-­‐toxic at the in-­‐use dilution protecting users from adverse health effects such as Occupational Asthma. AHP® offers a greater spectrum of efficacy against pathogens of concern in realistic contact times without the need to pre-­‐clean surfaces, saving time in fast paced environments.

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. It is transmissible to humans through handling or consumption of contaminated animal products. Infection in humans most frequently occurs on the skin, in the gastrointestinal tract and in the lungs. Like most Bacillus bacterium, B. anthracis is spore-forming which can survive in extremely harsh environments for decades, and even centuries.

Trichophyton mentagrophytes is a species of fungus that is a communicable pathogen; it affects both animals and humans alike. Trichophyton mentagrohphytes are found in a variety of environments, and infections can take several forms. Trichophyton is known as a dermatophyte; part of a group of three genera of fungi that cause skin disease in people and animals.

Microsporum canis is a fungal species that causes numerous forms of disease. It is part of a group of fungi known as Dermatophytes. Though mostly well known for ringworm in pets, it is also known to infect humans. This fact makes this pathogen both anthrophilic and zoophilic in nature. Microsporum canis is a communicable pathogen.

Although not especially virulent, Enterococci have become the second most common nosocomial pathogen and are the third leading cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections. Enterococci are intrinsically resistant to many common antibiotics. Given the intrinsic resistance to most antibiotics, the addition of vancomycin resistance has meant that many infections have become untreatable.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics called beta-lactams. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. In the community, most MRSA infections are skin infections.

The Transmissible Gastroenteritis virus (TGEv) causes acute, rapidly spreading disease in swine characterized by diarrhea and vomiting. TGEv is not considered a human health or food safety risk.

Pigs are the principal hosts of classic swine influenza virus (SIV). While human infections have been reported, porcine strains of influenza A do not appear to easily spread in the human population. However, deaths have occurred in immunocompromised people.

Pseudorabies is a viral disease affecting swine primarily; the virus is not a risk to either human health or food safety.

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PEDv) is a production-limiting disease affecting swine, and does not impact food safety or human health.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a production-limiting disease affecting swine, and does not impact food safety or human health.

Hantavirus is spread through contact with mice saliva, droppings, feces, urine and nesting material. It causes a rare but very serious lung disease called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) among other diseases.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting wild and domestic cloven-hoofed mammals. Of the domesticated species, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and water buffalo are susceptible to FMD. Horse is refractory to the infection. FMD is not considered a human health or food safety risk.

Feline Panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a virus transmitted through the fecal-oral route and causes vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes sudden death in cats.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a complex and inevitably fatal disease caused by the Feline Coronavirus (FCoV).

Feline Herpesvirus (FHV), also known as Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, is a viral disease that causes acute upper respiratory infections (URIs) primarily in cats in their first year of life.

Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is a viral disease that affects cats and is commonly recognized by the oral ulcers it causes. It is a common agent in infectious feline upper respiratory tract disease.

Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) is a highly contagious respiratory disease of horses, donkeys and mules and other equidae. EIV is a commonly diagnosed respiratory virus in horses with significant financial and trade implication for the industry.

Equine Herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), is an economically important disease for the horse industry, causing abortion (sporadic or storms), neonatal death, respiratory disease in young horses and myeloencephalopathy (a neurologic manifestation of the disease - paralysis). Outbreaks of this virus have a negative impact on the equine industry worldwide due to interference with movement of horses across borders and cancelled competitions.

Ebola is spread through direct contact with blood, bodily fluid , organs and secretions via broken skin or mucous membrane with an infected person. Ebolavirus is part of the Filoviridae family of viruses. Four out of the five known ebolaviruses cause disease in humans. The Zaire ebolavirus is the most severe as it has the highest mortality rate and is responsible for the most outbreaks and fatalities.

Canine Parvovirus (CPV) or “Parvo” as it is commonly known usually attacks the canine intestinal track. It is highly infectious and can affect all dogs, but particularly unvaccinated dogs and puppies or young adults. While worrisome to a dog owner, Parvo cannot be transmitted for an infected dog to humans.

Canine Distemper Virus is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects dogs. The virus is not a risk to either human health (does not present any symptoms) or food safety.

Canine influenza virus (CIV) is a type A influenza virus, primarily affecting dogs. CIV is considered an emerging pathogen. No human infections have been reported.

Dermatophytosis (ringworm), in pets is a skin condition typically cased by fungal infections, more specifically Microsporum canis and Trichophyton sp. Disinfectants, especially sodium hypochlorite (bleach), are commonly used to kill spores not removed during the "hard" cleaning process. Bleach is commonly recommended in the fight against ringworm for its known ability to kill spores. However, it is widely recognized that bleach degrades if not used by the expiry date impacting its efficacy, requires the use of personal protective equipment (as it is a respiratory irritant and can cause damage to the skin and eyes) and has corrosive properties that are known to cause damage to fabrics and surfaces. As a result, a comprehensive analysis was undertaken to determine if Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® (AHP®) would be a suitable alternative to sodium hypochlorite.

Dermatophytosis (ringworm), a highly contagious skin infection, is caused by fungus leading to a circular rash on animals and humans. Due to the highly contagious nature of dermatophytosis, proper disinfection of affected surfaces is essential. This study considers a relatively new yet proven chemistry, broadly used in healthcare facilities, known as Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® (AHP®), in contrast with current chemistries that have known shortcomings.

On Friday December 8th 2006, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a “substantial investment in public funds” to clean up dangerous chemicals in the environment. The list of chemicals includes some already proven harmful to animals and suspected to be potentially harmful to human health. Every two or three months, a list of suspect chemicals will be released in groups of 15 to 30. Industry and stakeholders will be required, within six months, to provide information the government about the chemicals. If the government is not satisfied by the response, industry will be required to take action which in some cases may mean industry would be required to provide alternative materials. In conjunction with the announcement, the government also launched a Chemical Substance website which details how the assessments will work and provides links to fact sheets on chemical impact to human health, and government resources and processes for managing chemical assessments. The website also includes a list of chemicals not banned but regulated and of “interest to Canadians” because of the risks associated with them. Two of these chemicals, 2-Butoxyethanol and 2-Methoxyethanol, are of significant interest to the cleaning and disinfection industry as they are commonly used as solvents in both cleaners and disinfectants.

To ensure optimal cleaning or disinfection it is important that products are used at the dilution ratio specified on the product label. From time to time Public Health or Infection Control may request that the dilution control systems be tested to confirm the products are being diluted appropriately so it is important to know how to calculate Use Dilution concentration. This document reviews the simple formulation to help you achieve proper dilution to ensure Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide's ® (AHP®) maximum efficacy.

There is much confusion among cleaning and disinfectant users regarding pH and what it means with respect to a product's cleaning or killing properties, its materials compatibility as well as its rating with regards to its toxicity / hazard profile. The intent is to dispel these misunderstandings and provide the facts to help increase your confidence in your choice of cleaning or disinfectant chemistry.

Biofilms are nothing new to our world. They can be found in any environment that has a flow of water and a contact surface. Biofilms can be deleterious or beneficial depending on where they are found and which organisms they are comprised of. As a society, however, we most commonly associate the issue of biofilms with their related infections. Examples of these are otitis media and bacterial endocarditis, which are caused by bacteria entering a fluid filled part of the body. Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® (AHP®) is relatively new yet proven technology that has gained a reputation as being one of the most effective yet safe technologies on the market. In fact, two studies have been conducted using AHP highlighting its ability to kill and remove biofilms. This document will help you and decision makers to better understand what Biofilms are and the relevance of using a disinfectant capable of killing and removing them.

As infection prevention concerns continue to move mainstream into our communities, so too does the increased usage of cleaning chemicals and disinfectants. The increased usage of many of these chemistries has the potential to negatively impact the environment and therefore, many end users are searching for “greener” alternatives. A major concern in this trend is the implementation of cleaning products that are simply ineffective in killing certain microorganisms. The increasing prevalence of hydrogen peroxide, an environmentally preferable ingredient with limited antimicrobial efficacy on its own, has the potential to exacerbate this concern. Many manufacturers of hydrogen peroxide based cleaners are positioning their products as effective disinfectants without validation leading to potential misperception. This article also highlights the results of an evaluation of Green Cleaning Products (GCPs) and Traditional Surface Disinfectants (TSDs) and their respective efficacy against common respiratory viruses and mold.

Battling Germs That Keep Getting Stronger, an article appearing on www.cbc.ca, highlights the emergence of antibiotic resistant organisms (AROs) in the community and the potential role certain antibacterial products play in the development of such resistance. AHP surface disinfectant cleaners exhibit broad spectrum germicidal efficacy in rapid and realistic contact times. Hydrogen Peroxide, the active ingredient in Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® (AHP®), does not remain on the surface once it has dried, hence it does not provide the opportunity for bacteria to develop resistance to it. Therefore, AHP surface disinfectant cleaners can be used safely and effectively to reduce bacterial contamination on surfaces.

Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® (AHP®) is a patented synergistic blend of commonly used, safe ingredients that when combined with low levels of hydrogen peroxide dramatically increase its germicidal potency and cleaning performance. To ensure maximum efficacy, AHP concentrated products can be diluted with automated dilution control systems. However, just as we wouldn't run our automobiles without regular oil changes and tire rotations, so to we shouldn't operate these systems without regularly scheduled preventative maintenance. This evaluation focused on an AHP disinfectant and its associated dilution system to emphasize the importance of performing quality checks on other hospital grade disinfectants that are diluted and dispensed from automated control systems.

With the advent of devastating diseases affecting the swine industry, much attention is being given to biosecurity in an effort to improve hygiene and ultimately prevent the spread of pathogens. As such, industry is looking to new chemical formulations, vetted protocols and scientific support data as a front line defense to ideally prevent disease, and when required eradicate an outbreak. This study considers a relatively new yet proven chemistry broadly used in healthcare facilities known as Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® (AHP®) in contrast with current chemistries that have known shortcomings. The third party study conducted by the renowned University of Iowa shows that AHP is superior to the incumbent chemistries tested.