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Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) is an emerging virus associated with high fish mortality and economic losses. This study investigates the virucidal effects of the following disinfectants (active ingredients) on TiLV: 2.5 ppm iodine, 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 300 ppm hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), 80 ppm formalin and 5,000 ppm (0.5%) Virkon®. Factors that affect the disinfectants’ efficacy, including temperature, contact time and soiling (organic matter) interference, were examined under conditions mimicking natural aquaculture practices. TiLV inactivation of higher than 5 log10 TCID50 ml−1 was achieved after 10 min and at 28°C for all disinfectants except formalin; similar inactivation levels were reached by NaOCl and Virkon® at 10 min and 4°C. Extended exposure to formalin from 10 to 60 min at 28°C rendered more than 5 log10 inactivation. Increasing synthetic organic matter in the water to mimic soiling interference reduced the efficacy of NaOCl, iodine and H2O2 when tested at 10 min and 28°C; however, Virkon® still achieved more than 5 log10 inactivation. This study demonstrates that most common disinfectants effectively reduced viral loads to minimum levels. To limit the spread of TiLV in aquaculture farms and related facilities, the appropriate use of such disinfectants should therefore be promoted and implemented.