This APL-funded project investigated concerns from livestock transporters about the routine use of disinfectants on transport vehicles and evaluated the effects of six disinfectants on common truck materials including steel, aluminium, chrome and rubber. A transporter survey identified corrosion, fading and wear as the main concerns associated with routine disinfection. Laboratory testing simulated up to 200 disinfectant applications to assess impacts on vehicle surfaces. Terminator showed the strongest overall surface compatibility among the APVMA-approved disinfectants tested, while Virkon S generally performed well but had some impacts on aluminium surfaces where disinfectant pooled. Results also showed that sodium hypochlorite had the greatest potential to cause surface deterioration. Among alternative disinfectants, Quat and Oxivir Five 16 demonstrated strong compatibility across all materials tested, while Ablesan AC 256 caused visible deterioration on some surfaces. The findings demonstrate that effective routine decontamination can be achieved with minimal infrastructure damage when appropriate products and application methods are used. The project also provides evidence to support future APVMA approval of additional disinfectants for Emergency Animal Disease responses.
