Hygienic Efficacy of Organic Acids, Copper Sulphate, Peroxides, Chlorines, and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds in Combating Water-Pipes Biofilm-Bacteria Isolated from Layer-Poultry Farms

Abstract Biofilms formed within poultry drinking waterlines can harbor pathogenic bacteria, hinder disinfection, lower water hygiene, and negatively impact flock health. An in vitro evaluation of eight disinfectants; Bio-pH, acetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, Klorosept, Virkon-S, Miller, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and copper sulfate, was conducted against nine bacteria isolated from biofilms formed in the drinking water lines of commercial chicken-layer farms. These bacteria included Enterococcus faecalis , Enterococcus casseliflavus , Staphylococcus saprophyticus , Acinetobacter kookii , Bacillus luti , Sphingopyxis terrae , and three isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The agar-gel diffusion technique was used for this assessment. Bio-pH, Virkon-S, and Miller were tested against biofilms grown on iron and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coupons. Acetic acid was the most effective disinfectant against planktonic bacteria, followed by Virkon-S, Miller, and Bio-pH. Miller showed superior results for PVC biofilms, while Virkon-S showed broad activity and was the most effective for iron biofilms. The effectiveness varied according to the bacterial species, biofilm consortium, surface, and contact time. Effective control programs involving monitoring, testing, cleaning, and disinfection are crucial for managing biofilm build-up in poultry drinking systems.