Formalin Destruction of Salmonellae in Poultry Litter

Litter was sprayed with 2%, 4%, and 6% formalin solutions both with and without litter turnover after contamination either on the surface or by mixing well with feces containing salmonellae. Results showed that 4% and 6% formalin applied to the litter by a turnover, spray, turnover, spray, turnover, spray procedure completely destroyed the salmonellae. A 6% solution of formalin applied by a turnover, spray, turnover, spray procedure also completely destroyed the organisms. Direct surface spraying with either 4% or 6% formalin completely destroyed salmonellae deposited in feces on the litter surface; however, the organisms were not eliminated if the formalin was only surface sprayed after the organisms had been mixed into the litter before spraying in the experiments with turnover and spray the organisms were not killed if there was a 2 day break between formalin applications.