Which of the following is a recommended disinfection measure for VSV control?

Study for the ACVPM Infectious Diseases Exam with engaging quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly and enhance your knowledge to excel in the test!

Disinfection of the environment is a key step in stopping vesicular stomatitis virus spread because the virus can linger on stalls, equipment, and other surfaces. A proven way to inactivate VSV on contaminated surfaces is using a virucidal disinfectant such as sodium hypochlorite (bleach). When used at an appropriate dilution and given enough contact time after cleaning off debris, bleach rapidly destroys the virus and reduces the risk of transmission from contaminated fomites. This approach directly lowers environmental viral load, which is essential for controlling outbreaks on premises, fleets, and during movement of horses and equipment. Vaccination of exposed animals won’t disinfect contaminated surfaces, and drastic measures like culling or delaying quarantine aren’t disinfection strategies and aren’t appropriate for routine control. Using bleach for environmental disinfection is practical, widely available, and effective in reducing environmental contamination and transmission.