F-10 not the be-all and end-all for disinfection?

[zina10]

I always thought my F-10 would pretty much cover everything, disinfectant wise.

However, I just got done reading about some peoples dealings with Crypto in their collections. Has wiped out a couple of collections and animals were sold from infected collections. Just a real mess.

It was mentioned how difficult it is to kill the Crypto protozoan. Regular disinfection doesn't work. Bleach doesn't work. F-10 is not effective. A very high percentage of Hydrogen Peroxide "should" do it, not the typical 3% though, and not 100% for sure according to my research. Ammonia in a high percentage might do the trick, but again, not 100% sure. Steam should kill it, but you would have to have the hot steam in contact with every bit of every surface for quite a few minutes.

Seems to me the best thing would be to chuck everything !!!

Not trying to fear monger, but I do know people buy used cages, racks, etc. I considered buying a used cage that isn't manufactured anymore and I was hoping to come across one. But now I'll pass. If bleaching the heck out of it isn't even a guarantee, then I rather not.

So if anyone is considering used equipment, please do your research on wiping out any nasties that may come along with it, some are very, very difficult to clean and will wipe out your collection if they infect your animals.

And always perform strict quarantine. KNOW the symptoms of the "biggies". Be careful whom you buy from. That said, I have heard about a rather well received breeder having had NIDO in his collection and NOT letting people know about it until it all came out. Neither of the scares I read about had to do with Ball Python breeders, but that means nothing.

Just be aware of what can be out there and do your best to be pro active. Its heart breaking to loose loved animals to something preventable..