UK poultry farmers can now access an environmentally-friendly disinfectant approved for controlling coccidiosis in both broilers and layers.
Intersteril, launched by Hysolv, targets harmful pathogens such as coccidial oocysts and Clostridium perfringens (the cause of necrotic enteritis), while breaking down into oxygen, water, and biodegradable acetic acid, making it safe for the environment.
“This is a real game-changer,” said Jim Bigmore of Hysolv. “Conventional phenol-based disinfectants had limitations, especially in colder months. Intersteril works year-round and is up to 50% cheaper thanks to its high dilution rate.”
Manufactured in Germany, Intersteril is approved by the German Veterinary Industry (DVG), granting automatic Defra approval in the UK. It’s also recognised by InfoXgen, Germany’s equivalent of the Soil Association, making it suitable for organic systems, a sector previously lacking a viable disinfectant against coccidiosis.
Used at a 2% concentration, Intersteril kills a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and spores. Bigmore emphasised its role in tackling necrotic enteritis, a growing issue following the withdrawal of antimicrobial growth promoters. “Vaccines only offer partial protection. Effective cleaning with Intersteril helps eliminate the spores that contribute to disease outbreaks.”
With resistance to conventional coccidiostats rising, Bigmore sees Intersteril as a sustainable solution. Unlike phenol-based alternatives, it can be used throughout the production cycle with minimal constraints, offering both environmental and practical benefits for modern poultry production.