FMD Clean

Indications

Natril Carbonate (Natrium Carbonate, also known as Sodium Carbonate or washing soda) is used in animals, not in people. In livestock practice it is used as an alkaline cleaning and disinfecting solution for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle, buffalo, goats and sheep: a suitably diluted solution is used to wash the sores in the mouth and on the feet and udder, and stronger solutions are used to disinfect sheds, floors, equipment, footbaths and vehicles. It supports care and helps reduce the spread of the virus, but it does not cure FMD. It is not for human use.

How It Works

Sodium Carbonate dissolves in water to make an alkaline (high pH) solution. The FMD virus is easily destroyed in alkaline conditions, so the solution helps inactivate virus on surfaces and on the outside of sores. It also loosens dirt, dead tissue and grease, making wounds and surfaces cleaner, which helps prevent secondary bacterial infection and fly attack.

Dosage and Administration

For animal use only. Dilute exactly as directed on the product label or by a veterinarian. Weak solutions are used for washing the mouth and feet of sick animals; stronger solutions (commonly about 4%) are used only for floors, walls, equipment and vehicles and must never be applied to the animal's mouth or skin.

• Use clean water and prepare a fresh solution each day.
• Wash sores gently, usually once or twice a day, then keep animals on clean, dry bedding.
• Antibiotic or wound treatment for infected sores should be given only as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Withdrawal period: follow any period stated on the label; for any other medicines given, follow their own withdrawal times.

Interactions

Do not mix with acids or acid-based disinfectants, as they neutralise each other and may fizz. Do not mix with other disinfectants unless the label permits. Rinse surfaces before applying a different disinfectant.

Contraindications

• Not for human use and not to be swallowed.
• Do not apply strong (surface-strength) solutions to animals.
• Avoid contact with the eyes.
• Do not use on aluminium or painted surfaces that it may damage.

Side Effects

In animals, solutions that are too strong can cause redness, dryness, irritation or burns of the mouth, skin and teats. In people handling it, the powder and strong solutions can irritate or burn the skin, eyes and airways.

If it splashes into a person's eyes, rinse with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes and get urgent medical help. Also get urgent medical help if a person swallows it, has trouble breathing after inhaling the dust, or has a skin burn. Contact a veterinarian if treated animals show worsening sores, cannot eat, or become weak.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnant or milking animals only as directed on the label or by a veterinarian; rinse the udder and teats with clean water before milking. Pregnant or breastfeeding women who prepare the solution should wear gloves and eye protection and avoid breathing in dust.

Precautions and Warnings

• Wear rubber gloves, goggles and boots when preparing and using the solution.
• Isolate sick animals, limit movement of people and animals, and report suspected FMD to the local livestock office.
• Vaccinate herds against FMD as advised by livestock services.
• Milk from sick animals should be handled as advised by the veterinarian.
• Keep away from food, feed and water used by people.

Overdose

Too strong a solution can burn the animal's mouth or skin; rinse well with clean water and contact the veterinarian. If a person swallows it, rinse the mouth, drink some water and get medical help at once; do not make the person vomit.

Therapeutic Class

Veterinary antiseptic and disinfectant (alkaline cleaning agent).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place in a tightly closed container, away from light, acids, food and animal feed, and out of the reach of children. The powder absorbs moisture from the air.