PhotoACTIVE® Equine is a residual disinfection solution that has been used for several years in the professional sector, particularly in medical environments. Its effectiveness has been extensively demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Its approval in the veterinary field represents a major advancement in the fight against epizootic diseases. Indeed, hygiene and disinfection practices specific to organizations such as RESPE (Réseau d’Epidémio-Surveillance en Pathologie Equine), supported by all stakeholders in the equestrian sector, are not necessarily well-known and properly applied.
PhotoACTIVE® Equine eliminates the risk of disease transmission by killing pathogens as soon as they are deposited on surfaces.
The antimicrobial barrier
PhotoACTIVE® equine acts as an antimicrobial barrier: viruses, bacteria and fungi are destroyed in a few minutes. It also purifies the air.
acts for one year – without recharging – resists mechanical and chemical abrasion
The only nano-coating suitable for the equestrian world that saves time and money
Where standard disinfectant products disinfect for a maximum of 4 hours, the PhotoACTIVE® Equine innovation withstands and disinfects for over a year after installation.
Thanks to its amorphous colloidal structure, it strongly adheres to surfaces like an invisible varnish and withstands the test of time. The treated surfaces can be porous or non-porous, textiles, glass, metals, plastics, composites, wood, and more.
PhotoACTIVE® eliminates the risk of disease transmission by killing pathogens as soon as they are deposited on surfaces.
How does it work?
PhotoACTIVE® is a next-generation nano-coating with biocidal properties. Its molecules strongly bond to the substrate, whether it is porous or non-porous. As a result, it remains on the surface for over a year and withstands mechanical abrasions and chemical cleanings. When exposed to light, a photocatalytic reaction occurs on the surface, breaking down any carbon-based molecules that come into contact with it. This process destroys bacterial and fungal membranes, inactivates viruses, and degrades volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Thanks to its patented technology, PhotoACTIVE® Equine also works in dark areas and in the absence of light.
Its mode of action is extremely fast:
- 99.99% of bacteria destroyed in less than 5 minutes
- 99.99% of viruses destroyed in less than 15 minutes
1
Microorganisms and harmful particles settle on the surface equipped with PhotoACTIVE® biocide coating.
2
Light and humidity trigger a photocatalytic reaction on the surface of PhotoACTIVE®.
The production of free radicals denatures the membranes and breaks down the carbon molecules.
3
Viruses, bacteria, and pollutants are degraded into harmless volatile molecules, mainly water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
One application for One year of disinfection
Our teams travel throughout worldwide to apply PhotoACTIVE® Equine on your touchpoints and surfaces to protect. Benefit from a treatment quickly implemented, immediately effective, without interruption of your activities.
Your employees and customers are reassured by the security of your premises and equipment, and you are actively participating in the fight against the spread of diseases in addition to saving on disinfectant products.
PhotoACTIVE® teams use a patented electrostatic spraying technology for application on large surfaces. The 3D gun electrically charges PhotoACTIVE® Equine, increasing its surface coverage ability. Electrostatic application allows the solution to be applied without holes on complex surfaces such as furniture, grills, and carts…
After one year, the coating will be reapplied to ensure continuity in surface disinfection.
Air Sanitization
If the primary use of PhotoACTIVE Equine is long-term surface disinfection, its mechanism of action also involves the destruction of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are air pollutants. Applying it to large surfaces in confined spaces such as stables and vehicles can drastically reduce odors and the associated chemical aggressions for the respiratory tract, such as ammonia vapors:
- Respiratory Irritation: Ammonia can irritate the respiratory tract of horses, leading to inflammation and increasing the risk of chronic respiratory diseases.
- Decreased Performance: Respiratory problems can affect exercise capacity and overall performance of the horse.
- Effects on Young Horses: Foals and young horses are particularly sensitive to ammonia due to their developing respiratory system.
These effects can, over time, impact the quality of life and potentially reduce the longevity of horses. By reducing the presence of ammonia and other VOCs, PhotoACTIVE Equine not only contributes to a cleaner and more hygienic environment but also helps in maintaining the respiratory health of horses. This is particularly important in equestrian settings where air quality directly affects the health and performance of the animals.
Problems of Disinfection in Real-World Conditions
In addition to veterinary clinics that are well-trained in disinfection practices, numerous shortcomings in hygiene practices are observed in the equestrian environment. The equestrian field, like many other areas, is not free from challenges related to the implementation of good sanitary practices. Despite the vital importance of disinfection for the health of horses and the people who interact with them, shortcomings in this area are frequently observed. Here is an overview of the main causes of these gaps, the consequences they entail, and how PhotoACTIVE Equine solves them.
Lack of Training:
Cause: Stable staff and equestrian center personnel are not always adequately trained in proper disinfection methods and the risks associated with negligence.
Consequence: Without proper training, it is possible to misuse disinfection products, overlook certain critical areas or surfaces, or fail to recognize the early signs of contamination.
Solution with PhotoACTIVE: The application of PhotoACTIVE by qualified personnel and its residual effect reduce the need for extensive training for regular maintenance staff. Once applied, the product continues to act without the need for frequent interventions, thus avoiding common application errors.
Consequence: Without proper training, it is possible to misuse disinfection products, overlook certain critical areas or surfaces, or fail to recognize the early signs of contamination.
Solution with PhotoACTIVE: The application of PhotoACTIVE by qualified personnel and its residual effect reduce the need for extensive training for regular maintenance staff. Once applied, the product continues to act without the need for frequent interventions, thus avoiding common application errors.
Lack of Knowledge:
Cause: Some stable managers or owners may not be aware of the importance of disinfection or the specifics of pathogens related to horses. This lack of knowledge is even more evident among professionals who are not horse owners but work in contact with them (transporters, facility renters, event organizers, etc.).
Consequence: Ignorance can lead to superficial cleaning routines without effective disinfection, thereby increasing the risk of disease spread.
Solution with PhotoACTIVE: Unlike traditional disinfectants that require in-depth knowledge of their spectral efficacy and usage (dilution, contact time, rinsing, etc.), PhotoACTIVE offers broad-spectrum protection, eliminating the need to specifically know each pathogen.
Consequence: Ignorance can lead to superficial cleaning routines without effective disinfection, thereby increasing the risk of disease spread.
Solution with PhotoACTIVE: Unlike traditional disinfectants that require in-depth knowledge of their spectral efficacy and usage (dilution, contact time, rinsing, etc.), PhotoACTIVE offers broad-spectrum protection, eliminating the need to specifically know each pathogen.
Lack of Time:
Cause: In the bustling equestrian environment, with daily horse care, training, and competitions, time is a precious commodity. Sometimes, disinfection can be relegated to a secondary concern.
Consequence: Regular neglect of disinfection increases the risk of outbreaks, which can ultimately cost more time (and money) in terms of treatments and crisis management.
Solution with PhotoACTIVE: The prolonged effect of PhotoACTIVE means that applications are less frequent. Instead of disinfecting daily or weekly, an application of PhotoACTIVE can last more than a year, thus saving valuable time. Stables and sports facilities only need to organize the accommodation of horses once a year for the time of disinfection.
Associated Costs:
Cause: Implementing an effective disinfection protocol may require initial investments in equipment, products, or training.
Consequence: To save in the short term, some may forego these investments, but this could lead to higher costs in the long term in the event of disease outbreaks.
Solution with PhotoACTIVE: Solution with PhotoACTIVE: While there may be an initial cost, the investment in PhotoACTIVE pays off over time due to its longevity. In the long term, this can prove to be more economical than the repeated purchase of traditional disinfectants and the costs associated with avoided epidemics.
Complacency:
Cause: If a stable has never faced an outbreak, there might be an attitude of “it won’t happen to us.”
Consequence: This mentality can delay the implementation of adequate preventive measures, making the stable vulnerable to outbreaks.
Solution with PhotoACTIVE: Even in the case of a “it won’t happen to us” attitude, the use of PhotoACTIVE ensures continuous protection, mitigating risks without daily effort. Management is simplified, and both voluntary and involuntary oversights are no longer a concern.
Lack of Clear Resources:
Cause: The absence of clear guidelines or difficulty accessing reliable resources on best disinfection practices.
Consequence: Without clear guidelines, each establishment may adopt its own routines, which may not be adequate.
Solution with PhotoACTIVE: PhotoACTIVE eliminates the need for complex or changing guidelines. With a single application ensuring lasting protection, there is no need to follow varied protocols or adjust routines according to guidelines.
Disinfection in equestrian environments is a crucial aspect of health management, but it is often neglected due to various challenges. Increased awareness, tailored training, and the adoption of good practices are necessary to ensure the health and well-being of horses and those around them.
In summary, the use of PhotoACTIVE directly addresses the common challenges of disinfection in the equestrian environment, offering a simple, sustainable, and effective solution. In a field where time, resources, and knowledge can be limited, adopting a long-term disinfection solution like PhotoACTIVE is a logical step towards better hygiene and greater peace of mind.
The use of PhotoACTIVE Equine presents direct and significant benefits for the health and well-being of horses. Firstly, by effectively eliminating a wide range of pathogens, including dangerous viruses like equine rhinopneumonitis herpesvirus, PhotoACTIVE significantly reduces the risks of infections and diseases. This translates into a better quality of life for the horse, less stress related to medical conditions, and a potential reduction in veterinary costs for the owner. Moreover, unlike traditional biocides and disinfectants that can be harmful in the long term, PhotoACTIVE Equine is eco-friendly and safe for animals. Thus, the horse is not only less exposed to pathogens but also to potentially harmful chemicals.