Re: RC: cleaning the barn??

[DESERTRYDR1@aol.com]

I agree with Bette about wearing a mask.  Also wet cleanup (spraying 
everything done so there is no dust) is safer.  I work for a local Health 
Department in Environmental Health, our emphasis is on diseases people can 
get from animals.  Salmonella from fowl, also psittacosis (the one Bette was 
talking about) usually not a problem in chickens.  Rabbits carry tularemia, 
but more likely in wild than domestic rabbits.  Another thing to be concerned 
about is mice.  If you see mouse droppings, absolutely for sure use a mask 
and do wet cleanup.  A chlorine/water solution will only work if ALL organic 
matter (manure) has been removed.  It is a surface disinfectant only, will 
not penetrate through organic matter.  There are cleaners called quaternary 
ammonium compounds that are very good disinfectants, and will also kill the 
cause of psittacosis (chlamydia).  Read the instructions before using them.  
You might consider laying down lime before you spread the dirt, just because 
horses will dig and wear down the dirt to the old level in places.   I'd have 
to go through my files at work to come up with more specific info on 
potential problems housing horses in an ex-chicken and rabbit house.  If you 
write back, I will try to look on Monday.  jeri