Abstract: A method for reducing pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract of a live animal comprising orally administering to the animal an effective amount of an aqueous antimicrobial solution, wherein the aqueous antimicrobial solution comprises from about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight of a metal chlorite and a sufficient quantity of an acid having a first pKa of from about 2.0 to about 4.4 to adjust the pH of the aqueous antimicrobial solution to about 2.2 to about 4.5 and to maintain the chlorite ion concentration in the form of chlorous acid to not more than about 35% by weight of the total chlorite ion present in the aqueous antimicrobial solution, is disclosed.

Abstract: A frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition comprising a metal chlorite and a protic acid in a frozen aqueous matrix made by freezing a substantially chloride dioxide-free aqueous solution comprising a metal chlorite at a concentration ranging from about 0.0005% to about 0.5% by weight and a protic acid at a concentration sufficient to lower the pH of the aqueous solution to a value of about 1.8 to about 5.0. The frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition has a chlorine dioxide concentration of more than about 3 ppm, while the aqueous solution prior to freezing has a chlorine dioxide concentration less than about 3 ppm. The frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition is used to disinfect substrates by contacting the same with the frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition. Suitable substrates include food intended for human or animal consumption, such as meat, fish and poultry.

Abstract: A frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition comprising a metal chlorite and a protic acid in a frozen aqueous matrix made by freezing a substantially chlorine dioxide-free aqueous solution comprising a metal chlorite at a concentration ranging from about 0.0005% to about 0.5% by weight and a protic acid at a concentration sufficient to lower the pH of the aqueous solution to a value of about 1.8 to about 5.0. The frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition has a chlorine dioxide concentration of more than about 3 ppm, while the aqueous solution prior to freezing has a chlorine dioxide concentration less than about 3 ppm. The frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition is used to disinfect substrates by contacting the same with the frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition. Suitable substrates include food intended for human or animal consumption, such as meat, fish and poultry.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for disinfecting bee colonies for preventing or treating diseases in honey bees, honey bee larvae and honey bee hives are disclosed. Such diseases may arise from a variety of sources, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa and parasites in the hive. Representative diseases preventable or treatable by this invention include Foulbrood and Chalkbrood. The compositions of the present invention include a protic acid and a chlorite ion, and may further include other optional components such as a gelling agent, colorant and/or preservative. Methods disclosed herein include applying the composition to a surface of a bee-hive. Honey produced by bees administered a composition of this invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting a meat carcass by spray application of an aqueous solution containing from about 0.05-0.12% of a metal chlorite and a sufficient quantity of an acid having a pK.sub.a of from about 2.0-4.4 to adjust the pH of the aqueous solution to about 2.2-4.5 and to maintain the chlorite ion concentration in the form of chlorous acid to not more than about 35% by weight of the aqueous solution, the molar ratio of the acid to metal chlorite being at least equal to the first pK.sub.a of the acid multiplied by the grams/liter concentration of metal chlorite in the aqueous solution. In one embodiment, the meat carcass is poultry.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of mammalian skin lesions are provided. The compositions contain a protic acid and a chlorite ion, and may be applied topically to a lesion to promote healing. The compositions and methods are particularly useful in the dairy industry for the treatment of bovine hairy heel warts.