A database of disinfectants in use in six sub-Saharan African countries: A web-based application to support veterinary hygiene practices

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Effective disinfection is crucial to good hygiene practices and biosecurity in veterinary settings. Information about disinfectants and their use in veterinary practices in sub-Saharan Africa is scarce. This study aimed at mapping available veterinary disinfectants for developing a prototype digital disinfectant database in six sub-Saharan African countries (Democratic Republic of the Congo - DRC, Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria, and Uganda) to support biosecurity and hygienic practices. METHODS: Data on disinfectants available for veterinary use in the six countries were collected between 12/2024 and 11/2025 from various sources (pharmacies, hospitals, veterinary service centres, farmers, companies and registration authorities) and used to create a database of disinfectants. An algorithm-based web application was developed, into which disinfectant data was integrated. RESULTS: Ethiopia and Ghana had the lowest diversity of disinfectants (n = 7 and 11, respectively), while Nigeria had the highest diversity (n = 33), followed by Uganda (n = 23), Senegal (n = 19) and DRC (n = 15). Among 108 total disinfectants of these countries, 20% were chlorines, 19% quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), 17% aldehydes and 17% alcohols. Alcohols predominated in Senegal (58%), chlorines in DRC (27%), QACs in Nigeria (27%) and aldehydes in Uganda (22%) and Ghana (36%), with chlorines and QACs being common to all countries. The created web-based disinfectant database has many functions for selecting a local disinfectant based on animal species, disinfection purpose and item to be disinfected. CONCLUSION: The study findings revealed marked cross-country diversity variation in veterinary disinfectants and gaps. The developed web-based database represents a step towards supporting veterinary hygienic practices in the study countries.