The Leptospirosis Information Center

Cleaning and disinfecting procedures

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, equipment, water and soil are all possible, but there are specific issues to consider, such as the cost-effectiveness and duration of any treatment. Although cleaning is in many cases quite simple, relying on the fragile nature of the bacteria, in many cases it is still unrealistic to control the bacteria without first eliminating the source - in other words controlling the animals that are shedding the bacteria in their urine. Cleaning a garden pond only to find rats revisit it every night is pointless!

For details, see these topics:-

There was a dead rat/etc. in my water tank. What do I do?
Disinfecting surfaces and materials
Disinfecting areas of ground, ponds or water features
Risks from contaminated food and drink
Disinfecting drinking water for personal use
Skin cleaning and hand washing