The livestock sector faces relentless threats from airborne pathogens such as PRRSV, avian influenza and African swine fever, with outbreaks leading to massive economic and welfare impacts. In the May–June 2025 issue of Pig Publication, a partnership between UV Medico and the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences introduces far-UVC technology operating at 222 nm, marketed under the DeconLine brand in Poland. Unlike conventional 254 nm UV-C, which demands strict safety measures and downtime, this new wavelength is absorbed by the outer dead cell layers of skin and the tear film of the eye, preventing penetration into living tissue and allowing continuous operation in occupied spaces.
Mechanism and Safety Profile
Far-UVC at 222 nm inactivates microorganisms by disrupting their nucleic acids and proteins, yet its limited penetration depth ensures it cannot reach or damage living cells. This unique combination of high antimicrobial efficacy and human-safety compliance sets it apart from traditional germicidal lamps, which require complete evacuation of spaces during disinfection cycles. Continuous far-UVC disinfection maintains pathogen levels at bay without interrupting daily barn operations, offering a seamless layer of biosecurity that works in real time as animals and staff go about their routines.
Broad-Spectrum Efficacy
Laboratory and in-barn studies confirm that 222 nm far-UVC effectively inactivates key swine and poultry viruses—including PRRSV, H1N1 and H9N2 strains—as well as a wide range of bacteria and fungal spores. The technology’s broad-spectrum reach addresses not only acute viral threats but also persistent biofilms and airborne bacterial loads. This comprehensive microbial reduction fosters healthier barn environments, cutting down on disease transmission routes that conventional air filtration or manual cleaning alone cannot fully address.
Field Trial Validation
A pivotal field trial used four identical rooms: two equipped with six IP66-rated 222 nm lamps each, and two without UV lamps as controls. Aerosolized PRRSV was introduced via overhead nebulizers, and two pigs were housed per room across three independent trials. While control rooms experienced infections in two of the three trials, none of the pigs in the UV-equipped rooms contracted PRRSV, demonstrating complete interruption of airborne transmission under real-world conditions . These results underscore far-UVC’s potential to transform on-farm biosecurity.
Economic and Operational Benefits
Beyond its antimicrobial prowess, far-UVC offers compelling economic advantages. Retrofitting lamps into existing ventilation ducts or installing them as overhead fixtures typically requires lower capital and operating expenditures compared to high-capacity HEPA filtration systems, which involve significant energy consumption and routine maintenance. Continuous disinfection also reduces the frequency and scope of manual cleaning operations, freeing up labor and cutting chemical use. Farms implementing 222 nm systems often realize return on investment within 12–18 months through reduced veterinary costs, lower mortality rates, and higher daily weight gains .
Enhancing Animal Welfare and Market Position
Healthier air quality directly translates into enhanced animal welfare: lower respiratory stress, reduced incidence of skin lesions, and improved overall comfort. Studies link such welfare improvements to better growth performance and meat quality, aligning with consumer demand for ethically produced pork. Farmers who adopt and document advanced biosecurity measures—including far-UVC disinfection—gain market differentiation, appealing to retailers and end-consumers focused on sustainability and responsible farming practices.
Technical Specifications and Installation Guidelines
The typical 222 nm lamp unit features a chloride-crypton emitter, consumes a maximum of 20 W, and operates reliably from 0 °C to +50 °C, with dimensions of approximately 300 × 168 × 113 mm and weighing 3 kg . For optimal pathogen exposure, lamps should be mounted at ceiling height above primary traffic areas—feeding alleys, farrowing stalls, and transfer corridors—where air exchange is highest. IP66-rated housings protect lamps from moisture, dust and manure droplets, ensuring consistent output even in challenging barn environments.
Maintenance and Safety Protocols
Routine intensity checks using calibrated radiometers are vital to confirm that lamps maintain the required irradiance for effective disinfection. Although far-UVC helps degrade surface biofilms, periodic wiping of lamp housings and surrounding fixtures prevents buildup that could impede performance. Staff training on operational procedures, emergency shut-offs and compliance with manufacturer-specified exposure limits fosters a culture of safety. Clear signage and standard operating procedures further embed far-UVC protocols into daily farm management.
Funding Opportunities and Collaborative Research
Recognizing the need for advanced animal-welfare solutions, Poland’s agriculture sector launched a subsidy program on June 3, 2025, supporting investments in disinfection systems and bioassurance technologies. In Denmark, UV Agri can guide farmers through grant applications—providing performance data, cost-benefit analyses and turnkey installation plans. Partnering with national research stations for pilot studies under Danish climate conditions will generate local validation, refine best-practice guidelines, and accelerate industry adoption through peer-reviewed publications.
Looking Ahead: Smart Integration and Cross-Sector Expansion
The future of far-UVC lies in intelligent farm systems. By integrating UV-lamp controls with IoT sensors monitoring temperature, humidity and stocking density, farms can dynamically adjust irradiance to balance energy use and disinfection efficacy. Cloud-based analytics will enable remote monitoring, predictive maintenance alerts and continuous performance optimization. Moreover, applications extend beyond swine: poultry hatcheries, dairy parlors and beef feedlots stand to benefit from targeted 222 nm disinfection, guarding against species-specific respiratory pathogens and aligning entire animal-production chains with next-generation biosecurity.
Conclusion
Far-UVC at 222 nm delivers a transformative, continuously operating biosecurity layer for modern livestock buildings. Its unique ability to safely inactivate a broad spectrum of pathogens in real time—validated by rigorous field trials—offers Danish pig producers an innovative tool to reduce antibiotic use, enhance animal welfare, and secure economic performance. By tapping into subsidy programs, aligning with smart-farm initiatives, and fostering research collaborations, UV Agri can position far-UVC as the cornerstone of sustainable, resilient, and responsible livestock production across Europe.