Regulation and effectiveness of teat disinfectants (PT3)

Teat disinfectants for cows, used before and after milking, are classified as biocidal products of type PT3 (veterinary hygiene). Their purpose is to ensure optimal hygiene to reduce the risk of milk contamination and cross-contamination between cows.

Active substance

Lactic acid (CAS No. 79-33-4) is the most commonly used active substance in these products.

Regulatory framework

PT3 products containing lactic acid as an active substance fall under the established framework. This means that a marketing authorization (MA) is required for each product, as the active substance has been approved at the European level since 2017.

Effectiveness

These products must demonstrate bactericidal and fungicidal efficacy and are often virucidal as well.
Efficacy claims made on product labels must comply with the MA decisions.

Risk of reclassification

Regulations require vigilance regarding the boundary between biocides and veterinary medicines. If a disinfectant is used for a curative purpose (e.g., treating an ailment like mastitis), it could be reclassified as a veterinary medicine.

Conclusion

Teat disinfectants for cows are well-regulated biocidal products that require an MA (depending on the active substance used) to be marketed. However, their use must be clearly defined to avoid any reclassification as a veterinary medicine.