An evaluation of disinfectants for the sanitation of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus-contaminated transport vehicles at cold temperatures

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of commercially available disinfectants to sanitize porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) contaminated trailer models in cold climates (-20°C and 4°C). Disinfectants evaluated included Synergize, Aseptol 2000, Biophene, Sentramax, Virkon, Tek Trol, and DC&R. All products were applied to trailers via fumigation at 4° C. Following experimental contamination of model trailers with PRRSV MN 30-100 (5 × 10⁵ TCID₅₀), models were tested for the presence or absence of PRRSV-RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on swabs collected 0, 30, and 60 min after treatment. Treatments included washing only, washing plus disinfectant fumigation, washing plus fumigation, and washing plus overnight drying. The PRRSV-RNA detected across trailers ranged from 0/12 replicates in trailers treated with Synergize or allowed to dry for 8 h. These trailers were also negative for the presence of infectious PRRSV, based on the lack of sentinel pig infection (0/4 replicates). In contrast, the detection of PRRSV-positive swabs by PCR ranged from 3/12 (Aseptol) to 10/12 (Biophene). Based on these results, the efficacy of Synergize was evaluated at -20°C. In an attempt to reduce the impact of freezing on disinfectant activity, 30 mL of disinfectant was added to a 3840 mL of a 40% methanol solution, a 10% propylene glycol (PG) solution, or water alone. The PRRSV-contaminated trailers were treated with 1 of 3 disinfectant mixtures via fumigation, stored for 8 h at -20°C, allowed to thaw, and sampled as described. Trailers treated with 40% methanol or 10% PG did not freeze and were negative for PRRSV-RNA and infectious virus following thawing. In contrast, trailers treated with disinfectant and water were frozen within 60 min at -20°C, and decontamination was not successful.