Does anyone know if it is permissable to use radiation sterilization to
sterilize AFB infected equipment?  This is used quite successfully in the
drug and device industry and you can acheive some pretty high Fo's (log
reductions of bacti populations overtime.
 
It is unlike ethylene oxide sterilization where the temperatures and
penetration of the sterilizing gas may damage the equipment or not penetrate
to kill the bacteria.
 
Is this an area that has not been explored, is too expensive, or are we just
not up to speed in the technicological area.  Its a shame to destroy good
equipment when it could probably be saved using this system.  There are many
places in the US that custom sterilize using radiation for a fee.  I think
the minimium at at least one facility is $400 per tote load which is a pretty
good amount of space.
 
Bill Nelson.
Hobbist
Animal Nutritionist
North Liberty, IN. USA