Lab Cleaning Responsibility
Dirty ceiling fans, air conditioners (especially the filters) and humidifiers can actually harbor bacteria and blow them around in the environment. These things should also be cleaned regularly. Faucets, refrigerator handles, door handles, all instruments, even chairs, keyboards, phones, fax machine, etc. can contain bacteria and should be disinfected.
To properly disinfect a surface such as a counter or tabletop, you should first clean the surface with a suitable household level cleaner. Then apply a disinfecting solution and let it sit for at least ten minutes (or according to the manufacturer’s instructions). After that, wipe the surface dry and apply another thin coating of disinfecting solution. Allow this to air dry and, at that time, the surface should be properly disinfected.
If you take a moment to consider all the surfaces that may become contaminated with disease-causing viruses and bacteria, you will begin to see just how critical proper sanitation and disinfection of the aviary facilities can be.
Electronic or Bead Sterilizers
This is another instance where the term "sterilizer" is used improperly. Not only are electronic or bead sterilizers unable to sterilize tools and implements properly, they don’t even disinfect them. Because they are marketed with the term sterilizer, this may mislead the professional aviculturist into thinking that tools and implements are safe when they really aren’t.
Sterilization can occur only when the implements are heated to at least 325 degrees fahrenheit for at least 30 minutes. Disinfection can occur only when the entire implement (including the handle) is fully submerged in a properly mixed disinfecting solution. Electronic and bead sterilizers accomplish neither of these necessary steps and are ineffective. Use of these devices can in fact be hazardous to the health and well being of you and your birds.
Proper Storage
Once you have taken the steps to safely and effectively decontaminate tools and implements, it is important that they be stored in areas where they will remain free from contamination. Otherwise, all the efforts that have gone into proper disinfection will be lost. The best type of container to use for the storage of disinfected tools and implements is the Ultraviolet (UV) sanitizer. It is important to remember, though, that these containers will not disinfect tools and implements and that storage in the UV sanitizer should not replace proper disinfection procedures.
If it is impractical in your home/lab to use a UV sanitizer or if you simply choose not to use one, you should store disinfected tools and implements in a dry, covered container. Remember, though, that the container that you should choose to use must also be disinfected. If it is not, your storage container may serve to recontaminate the tools that you have taken such care to disinfect.
Professional Responsibility
As a conscientious avicultural professional, you have a personal interest and a professional responsibility to your birds to insure that the work area is clean, safe and free from the possibility of infection. Other aviculturists who witness you taking such great care to make sure that all the implements and instruments you use in your lab and nursery are clean and safe will appreciate your efforts and be sure to reccomend you.
You also have a responsibility to protect yourself from germs and dirt. Being in a lab or nursery or aviary leaves you vulnerable to the multitude of bacteria and viruses that can grow there. Also, cuts and nicks that are common to the profession may provide ports of entry into your body for these bacteria. It is critical to your health and well being that you take every precaution necessary to sanitize and disinfect your tools, your work area and the entire nursery.
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