CREATING a post-foaling kit is essential to ensure you have all the items you need on hand to provide the best possible start in life for new arrivals. An area that requires immediate attention post birth is the umbilical stump. Once the umbilical cord is broken, the foal’s umbilical stump should be treated and cleaned to help prevent infection. Navel treatment should be initiated within 30 minutes of breaking the umbilical cord and treated three times (every 6-8 hours) during the first 24hrs.

Plusvital Effivet Farm Liquid and Gel are topical, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral skin cleansing treatments that are specifically suited to navel care. It is a potent germ killer containing patented technology that mimics the body’s own immune system. Hypochlorous Acid is a weak acid that is released by cells of the immune system to kill bacteria. It is safe to be ingested as it is naturally occurring in the body and is non-irritating.

Easy to use, it is advised to wear clean gloves to avoid bacteria transfer from your hands to the navel site. First, clean the area using Effivet Farm Liquid. Once clean, apply Effivet Farm Hydrogel liberally to the navel area and allow to dry naturally. This is a no rinse combination and will aid in sealing the site. This process should be repeated once or twice daily for the first week following birth. Plusvital Effivet Farm Liquid and Gel are available from retailers nationwide or from Plusvital.com.