In a move aligned with global trends towards safer and more sustainable agricultural practices, a recent field study conducted in South Africa has confirmed that Peroxsil Ag+, a silver-stabilised hydrogen peroxide, is a viable alternative to formalin for disinfecting hatching eggs. The study, carried out on commercial poultry farms, has demonstrated that Peroxsil Ag+ not only matches the efficacy of formalin in reducing bacterial contamination, but often outperforms it—while offering a far safer and more environmentally responsible profile.
For decades, formalin fumigation has been the go-to method for controlling microbial contamination on hatching eggs at breeder farms. Despite its effectiveness, formalin poses significant health risks to farm personnel and is increasingly restricted or banned in many regions due to its toxic vapour and known carcinogenicity. In South Africa, the poultry sector is actively seeking safer, modern solutions that comply with international standards and reduce worker exposure to hazardous substances.
This investigation was designed to determine whether Peroxsil Ag+ could be applied as a replacement for formalin fumigation under real-world conditions. Unlike formalin, which requires controlled temperature and humidity levels to function optimally, Peroxsil Ag+ performs effectively without the need for specialised fumigation chambers or environmental controls. Its ease of application—delivered using a standard knapsack sprayer—and its decomposition into water and oxygen after use make it both user-friendly and environmentally benign.
In the study, hatching eggs were treated on-farm with a 1:64 dilution of Peroxsil Ag+ (approximately 0.78% hydrogen peroxide concentration). Eggs were sprayed while in setter trays, ensuring the entire shell surface was wet. Untreated eggs and those rinsed with water served as controls. The researchers sampled bacterial levels on eggshells both before and after treatment, and in some instances also assessed contamination of the egg contents.
The results were striking. Eggs treated with Peroxsil Ag+ showed a dramatic reduction in bacterial load compared to untreated and water-rinsed eggs. For example, average colony-forming unit (CFU) counts on untreated eggs were nearly 50 per shell, while those treated with Peroxsil averaged just 2.6 CFUs. The study confirmed that this reduction was due to the disinfectant’s antimicrobial action rather than a mere rinsing effect.
Dirty floor eggs, typically more heavily contaminated due to faecal matter, were also tested. Peroxsil Ag+ treatment reduced contamination on these eggshells to undetectable levels. More importantly, it also resulted in a significant decrease in bacterial contamination of the egg contents, reinforcing the correlation between cleaner shells and improved biosecurity outcomes.
To evaluate how Peroxsil Ag+ compares to formalin in field conditions, the researchers tested over 480 eggs collected from seven commercial production sites. Both formalin and Peroxsil Ag+ treatments reduced bacterial contamination, but Peroxsil Ag+ proved more consistent. In several cases, formalin treatment left behind substantial bacterial counts, while Peroxsil-treated eggs were effectively sanitised.
Eggs were also evaluated after arrival and grading at the hatchery to determine whether the hygiene gains were sustained through transport and handling. The study found that Peroxsil Ag+-treated eggs maintained low bacterial counts throughout the process, providing added confidence in its stability and effectiveness.
While fogging with Peroxsil Ag+ was tested in a small pilot, results were inconsistent due to inadequate airflow between egg trays during application. As such, fogging is not currently recommended for eggs held in trollies, although the product itself remains suitable for fogging in other contexts.
Importantly, the study also examined the effect of Peroxsil Ag+ on hatchability. Across twenty hatch comparisons—encompassing nearly 800,000 eggs—Peroxsil Ag+-treated eggs performed as well as, and in most cases slightly better than, those treated with formalin. The average hatch rate of first-grade chicks was 84.02% for Peroxsil Ag+ compared to 83.70% for formalin, with improved results in 15 out of 20 comparisons.
Although broiler production data post-hatch was not available for analysis, the study’s outcomes provide a compelling case for the adoption of Peroxsil Ag+ in the South African poultry industry. With a safer chemical profile, no harmful residues, and proven antimicrobial performance, it presents a viable, modern alternative that meets the growing demand for sustainable and worker-friendly farming solutions.
This research marks a critical step in rethinking egg hygiene in hatcheries. As formaldehyde faces increasing regulatory scrutiny and health-related pushback, solutions like Peroxsil Ag+ offer an opportunity to not only maintain but enhance biosecurity, without compromising on safety or efficacy.
The time has come for integrators and producers in South Africa to take this innovation to market. By embracing eco-friendly disinfectants that deliver consistent results without toxic exposure, the poultry sector can align with global standards, protect its workforce, and improve hatchery outcomes. Peroxsil Ag+ stands ready to play a leading role in this new chapter of agricultural hygiene.
