Aussie Finch Forum

I was looking to purchase "Vircon S" on the net when I came across a product called "F10SC" The site claims F10SC, is the ideal disinfectant as it's unique formulation is both highly effective across a broad spectrum of pathogens, and safe for humans and animals alike.

Does anyone know much about F10SC?
How does it compare with Vircon S on price availability and end use in relation to finch keeping?

The link to the site is http://www.chemicalessentials.com.au/?g ... HAodpicXXw

I don't know anything about it other than the active ingredient is polihexanide which seems safe emough if used in accordance with the instructions but at higher doses it may be carcinogenic. We use another formulation at work as a sanitizer. There may be more on the APVMA site or you could try Goolging up an MSDS

They both appear to be very effective disinfectants.
F10 is a South African product which is used in Europe and The Middle East by the falcon vets as well as here in Australia. They even nebulise birds with it to treat respiratory infections. It claims to treat all viruses, bacteria, fungi etc and yet be totally safe if you believe the claims.

I was informed by one veterinarian that apparently one of the ingredients was under investigation as a potential carcinogen but have heard nothing more.

As with all these things, use common sense and handle with care.

F10 comes as a liquid; Virkon is a powder so you have to be careful when mixing it to not breathe in the dust. Otherwise, I think it comes down to personal choice.

The Australian Quarantine Sevice uses Virkon S as their disinfectant of choice, if that means anything.

I use both at work as disinfectants, as mentioned above they generally do the same thing just go with which easier to use for you but yeah follow the instructions to use the correct amounts.

Never used F10. Used Virkon S with the no rinse sprouting method & a general spray inside aviaries after annual cleanout. Virkon S does also cause skin irritations (for me) with direct contact.

Below is what I've found when looking up the info for these products.
Personally I use F10SC and have been very happy with it as a disinfectant. I use it sparingly in drinking water only if I have illness. F10 was the only product that I could find info on doing longer term checks for residual build up. The best pro is that its wet kill rate is the fastest out there. IE whatever you are disinfecting requires the product to be applied and remain wet for xx amount of time.

Virkon-S powder (Virkon-S used in a 1% solution with water)
Potassium peroxomonosulfate (peroxygen compounds, organic acids, surfactant and buffer)

Active against: 65 strains of viruses in over 19 viral families, 400 strains of bacteria and over 100 strains of fungi (animals and poultry strains). (Incl. Avian Influenza (H5N1), Newcastle Disease, Classical Swine Fever (Hog Cholera) and Foot and Mouth Disease.)

Pros: Solution is stable for 7 days at normal temp and storage conditions. Non-irritating at a 1% solution, can be used in hard water, on porous surfaces, at low temperatures in the presence of organic materials (soils etc). No evidence of resistance. Requires 5-10min contact to be effective.

Cons: Powder is corrosive, classified as an irritant, affected by high temperatures (denatures and oxodises). Requires concentration levels (1000ppm) to effectively work in drinking water.

Notes: Powder is corrosive and irritant to skin and eyes – No data is available of its persistence and degradability. Does it build up in the system and how long is it active for post application?

2.5kg powder = 250L disinfectant

F10 SC
Benzalkonium Chloride
Active against: Bacteria, fungi, viruses and sporicidal

Pros: Very fast acting – kill times of 15sec to 15min exposure needed for viruses. Highly concentrated requires 1:500 ratio for disinfectant solution / 1:250 for sterilant. No residual build up detected in chicken muscles/organs, over 5 week period at 1:1000 and 1:250. Minimal chance of microbial resistance. Non-corrosive. Biodegradable. No adverse side effects on people, animals or on equipment and surfaces
Cons: Store out of direct sunlight. Difficult to obtain directly from supplier. Requires going through a veterinary practice/supplier which could inhibit cost although it is one of the cheaper with regards to dilution rates.

Notes:

Rendered inactive when mixed with other detergents or soaps.

Mike Fidler recommends using Virkon for sterilising sprouted seed. Is F10SC suitable for this?

Yes it is at 1:1000ppm if I recall correctly

I took my advice and looked on the APVMA site and a report on polihexanide was released just last month. To quote the summary "The OCSEH (Office of Chemical Safety and Environmental Health) did not regard its carcinogenicity in rodents at high doses as a barrier to continuing registration of products containing polihexanide" So there appears to be no worries for users of F10SC except for Peruvian guinea pig farmers!

That's great info Greg-thanks!