VirkonS - anyone use this? Talk to me about it!

[Wynette]

I've got a rooster suffering from some sort of crud (for lack of knowing exactly what it is) on his legs (see here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=244582 ) and I've been trying to figure out how to help him since September. It reached an emergency point when, just last week, my hens began to savagely peck his legs. I came home to find him standing on the roost in a pool of blood. Odd thing is that it had actually been getting better.

Anyway, it's been recommended to me by a chicken health expert to clean his legs, soak them in Hibiclens solution, air dry, then spray with 2% VirkonS solution. The VirkonS comes in tablets, which I've ordered and expect them to be here tomorrow or Thursday. I have high hopes this stuff will really do the job, along with the Hibiclens. But, after doing some research on it, man, this stuff sounds like a miracle! It even kills off Athlet's Foot and fungal infections in TREES! Has anyone used it? What are your thoughts?


POULTRY PRODUCTION/RATITE PRODUCTION
CONTROLS: Viruses of Newcastle Disease, Infectious Bronchitis, Infectious Bursal Disease, Avian Laryngotracheitis, Marek’s Disease, Egg Drop Syndrome, Avian Influenza, Turkey Herpes Virus and Duck
Viral Enteritis.
Fungi: (molds and yeasts – Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans.
Bacteria: Streptococcus pyogenes, Campylobacter pyloridis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella choleraesuis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus
aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bordetella avium and Mycoplasma gallisepticum.
HATCHERIES: Virkon S at 1% solution can be used for cleaning and disinfecting hatchers, setters, evaporative coolers, humidifying systems, ceiling fans, chicken houses, transfer trucks, trays, and
plastic chick boxes (use 2% solution for Mycoplasma, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus).
Virkon S at 1-2% solution is recommended for use in fogging (wet misting) operations as a supplemental measure either before or after regular cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Fog (wet mist) until the area is moist using automatic foggers according to manufacturer's use directions
BROILER/BREEDER HOUSES: Remove chickens, feed, and water troughs, then remove manure and litter. Spray floors and walls with Virkon S at 1% solution. Thoroughly wash waterers and feeders with
a 1% solution of Virkon S (use 2% solution for Mycoplasma, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus). After contact for 10 minutes, rinse with water. Do not house poultry or use equipment until treatment has dried.

FOR AIR SANITIZING: Use Virkon S at 1-2% solution and fog until surfaces are moist. Allow at least 2 hours before entering treated area. Rinse foggers and sprayers with water following use.

PROCESSING PLANTS: Spray Virkon S at 1% solution to disinfect and clean walls, ceilings and floors.

 

[ranchhand]

dlhunicorn just recommended it to someone for a moldy straw reaction- I got the impression the Diana knows all about it. Perhaps PM her?

Sorry about the rooster, wish I could be of help.

 

[Wynette]

Yep, Diana is who I meant when I mentioned a "chicken health expert." Was just hoping someone who has used it would weigh in. Thanks!

 

[gritsar]

Wynette, I would be interested in the information too; since Thor is still suffering the same affliction.
Looking back on all the different things I (we) have tried, he got the most improvement from athlete's foot spray. I may start using it again tonight and just continue treatment for longer than I did last time - a couple of weeks instead of four days.

 

[Wynette]

Hey there!

Since this stuff is supposed to cure Athlete's foot, I bet that will work for you. I'm super anxious to give this a try. I've got the Hibiclens already and should have the Virkon soon!

 

[possumqueen]

I work at a lab where we use Vircon. Note that in the usage notes you posted it said to remove chickens, feed and watering troughs.

Vircon is potent stuff, and it's listed as a corrosive. It takes the paint off our lab floors. If you're going to use it on a live chicken, I strongly recommend you dilute it a LOT!

 

[Wynette]

Yep, I was told to use it as 2% solution. Thanks, possumqueen!

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
yes I am A supervisor at a scientific center-it is very corrosive to stainless steel. We have to use fume hoods to create the diluted solution. In its powdered form- it can blind you. When it has been diluted it is still very much a skin irratant and hazard. It only has an active shelf life of 7 days after dilution. I would dilute more than what they suggested-I would only use it to clean surfaces and to decontaminate pens and runs and coops.

 

[possumqueen]

We use a 1% solution, and it is STILL taking the paint off the floors.

And I, too, mix it under a hood.

Wynette, rereading your initial post, I'm wondering if your boy has scale mites?

 

[Wynette]

I'm positive he doens't have mites. Now, this Virkon is the VirkonS, not the original formula. The tablet form. What I posted in my original post was info. I found on the powder formula of Vrkon - it must be a completely different formulation, because I know that Diane (dlhunicorn) is using this and has for some time with no ill effects. Thanks for your concern! I'll most definitely do more checking around.