# Goat Kidding Area Hygiene: Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols ## Key Takeaways - Kidding area hygiene is paramount for preventing neonatal diseases such as scours, pneumonia, and septicemia, which are often caused by pathogens like *E. coli*, *Clostridium perfringens*, and *Listeria* thriving in organic-rich, damp environments. - Effective disinfection requires a multi-step approach: thorough removal of organic matter (manure, bedding, fluids), washing with detergent, and then application of a disinfectant matched to specific pathogen concerns, with accelerated hydrogen peroxide being effective against *Cryptosporidium*. - Environmental factors significantly influence disease risk; poor ventilation leading to ammonia buildup irritates respiratory tracts, increasing susceptibility to pneumonia, while dampness promotes pathogen proliferation. - Critical preventative measures beyond pen hygiene include immediate navel dipping with 7% iodine or 4% chlorhexidine and ensuring adequate colostrum intake within the first 6 hours of life to transfer essential maternal antibodies. - Recordkeeping is essential for identifying recurring disease patterns within specific pens or across kidding seasons, allowing for targeted adjustments to cleaning protocols and biosecurity measures. - Zoonotic disease transmission, such as Q fever (*Coxiella burnetii*) from birth fluids, necessitates strict personal protective equipment (gloves) and careful disposal of placentas and soiled materials to protect human health. --- A clean kidding area is one of the most effective tools you have for reducing kid mortality and protecting your doe's health. This guide covers the full process of preparing, cleaning, and disinfecting your kidding space, from pre-season setup through post-kidding management. It is written for small to mid-scale goat producers, homesteaders, and farm staff who want practical, step-by-step protocols that fit real farm conditions. The bacteria and viruses that cause scours, pneumonia, and septicemia in newborn kids thrive in dirty, damp, and crowded conditions. By following the cleaning and disinfection protocols in this guide, you can break the disease cycle before it starts and give every kid the best possible start in life. ## At a Glance - **Clean before you disinfect.** Disinfectants cannot penetrate organic matter like manure, bedding, or milk scum. Remove all visible dirt first. - **Use the right product for the job.** Bleach, accelerated hydrogen peroxide, and chlorhexidine each have strengths and limitations. Match the product to your pathogen concern. - **Dry is better than wet.** Most pathogens die quickly on dry, clean surfaces. Moisture is your enemy. - **Separate sick animals immediately.** Have a quarantine pen ready before kidding season begins, not after you need it. - **Keep records.** Track which does kidded where, which kids got sick, and what cleaning protocols you used. Patterns will tell you what is working. - **Ventilate the space.** Ammonia fumes from urine and manure damage kid lungs and make them more susceptible to pneumonia. - **Disinfect navels and colostrum is key.** A clean pen matters, but navel dipping and good colostrum management are your first line of defense against newborn infection. - **Rotate pens between does when possible.** If you have multiple pens, rest one while you use another. - **Have a veterinarian or extension contact ready.** Know who to call before you have a crisis. ## Why Kidding Area Hygiene Matters Newborn kids are born with essentially no immune system of their own. They rely entirely on antibodies absorbed from colostrum in the first 24 hours of life. Until that colostrum is absorbed, and for several weeks after, kids are highly vulnerable to infection from their environment. The kidding area is where this vulnerability meets the highest concentration of pathogens. Birth fluids, placenta, manure, and urine all accumulate in a confined space. This combination is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria like *E. coli*, *Clostridium perfringens*, *Listeria*, and *Coxiella burnetii*, as well as viruses like caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) if the dam is shedding it through body fluids. Dirty kidding areas contribute to several common disease problems in kids: **Scours or diarrhea.** This is the leading cause of death in young kids. Rotavirus, coronavirus, *E. coli*, and *Cryptosporidium* are common culprits. These pathogens spread through the fecal-oral route. A kid lying in contaminated bedding picks up infective material on its udder, feet, and coat, then ingests it while nursing or grooming. **Naval infections.** The umbilical cord is an open wound for the first 12 to 24 hours after birth. If the kid lies on a dirty surface, bacteria travel up the cord and cause joint ill, liver abscesses, or septicemia. **Pneumonia.** Young kids are prone to respiratory infections, especially in cold, damp, or poorly ventilated buildings. Ammonia fumes from soiled bedding irritate the lungs and make them more vulnerable. **Mastitis in the doe.** A dirty kidding environment increases the risk of environmental mastitis in the doe after kidding. Bacteria like *E. coli* and *Staphylococcus* enter the udder through the teat canal, especially when the udder is edematous and the doe is lying down frequently. **Zoonotic disease risk.** Some diseases that affect goats can also affect humans. Q fever, caused by *Coxiella burnetii*, is shed in high numbers in birth fluids and placentas. Pregnant women, people with heart valve conditions, and immunocompromised individuals should not enter kidding areas. Anyone handling birth fluids should wear gloves and wash thoroughly afterward. ## Pre-Season Preparation The cleaning protocol for your kidding area starts weeks before the first doe is due. A well-prepared space makes the job easier and reduces the risk of disease transmission from the previous season. ### Assess Your Space Walk through your kidding facility and evaluate it with fresh eyes. Look for: - Cracks and crevices in floors and walls where organic matter and bacteria can hide - Rough surfaces that are difficult to clean - Poor drainage that allows water and urine to pool - Low ceilings or poor ventilation that trap ammonia and moisture - Sharp edges or protruding nails that could injure a doe or kid - Access points for rodents, birds, and other wildlife that can carry disease Ideally, kidding pens have smooth, non-porous surfaces that can be hosed down and scrubbed. Concrete is the standard choice. Dirt floors are very difficult to disinfect and are not recommended for kidding areas. If you must use a dirt floor, plan to remove the top several inches of soil between kidding seasons and replace it with clean material. ### Deep Clean Between Seasons After the last kid is weaned from the kidding area, do a full deep clean. This is different from the spot cleaning you will do during kidding season. 1. Remove all animals from the building. 2. Remove all movable equipment, feeders, waterers, and bedding. 3. Sweep or scrape all loose organic matter from the floors and walls. 4. Hose down all surfaces with water to loosen caked-on material. 5. Scrub all surfaces with a detergent solution. Use a stiff brush or a pressure washer for stubborn areas. 6. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. 7. Allow the space to dry completely. 8. Apply a disinfectant according to the label directions. 9. Let the disinfectant dwell for the required contact time, usually 10 to 30 minutes. 10. Rinse again if the disinfectant label requires it, or allow to air dry. 11. Leave the space empty for as long as possible before the next kidding season. ### Repair and Upgrade While the space is empty and clean, make any repairs. Fill cracks in concrete with a suitable patching compound. Smooth rough surfaces. Fix drainage issues. Replace worn-out feeders and waterers. Install better lighting so you can see what you are doing during nighttime checks. Consider adding a separate isolation pen if you do not already have one. ## Choosing the Right Disinfectant Not all disinfectants are created equal. The product you choose should match the pathogens you are most concerned about, the surfaces you are cleaning, and the safety requirements of your farm. ### Common Disinfectants for Kidding Areas **Bleach or sodium hypochlorite.** This is cheap, widely available, and effective against most bacteria and viruses. It is inactivated by organic matter, so surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before application. Bleach is corrosive to metal and can irritate skin and eyes. It should be diluted fresh daily because it loses strength quickly. A common dilution for farm use is 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for a 0.5 percent solution, but always follow the label. **Accelerated hydrogen peroxide.** Products like Accel and Rescue are effective against a broad range of pathogens, including *Cryptosporidium*, which is resistant to many other disinfectants. They are less corrosive than bleach and break down into water and oxygen, so they are safer for the environment. They are more expensive than bleach but are worth the cost for high-risk areas. **Chlorhexidine.** This is a good general-purpose disinfectant that is effective against many bacteria and some viruses. It is not effective against *Cryptosporidium* or bacterial spores. It is commonly used for navel dipping and teat dipping because it is gentle on tissue. **Iodine-based disinfectants.** These are effective against many pathogens but can stain surfaces and are inactivated by organic matter. They are less commonly used for large-area disinfection in kidding facilities. **Quaternary ammonium compounds.** These are effective against many bacteria and some viruses but are inactivated by soap residue and organic matter. They are not effective against *Cryptosporidium*. **Lime or calcium hydroxide.** This is a traditional product for disinfecting dirt floors and outdoor areas. It is caustic and must be handled with care. It is not suitable for use around animals while they are present. ### Match the Product to the Problem If you have had a specific disease problem in your herd, choose a disinfectant that is effective against that pathogen. For example: - If you have had *Cryptosporidium* problems, use accelerated hydrogen peroxide. Bleach and chlorhexidine will not kill this organism. - If you have had CAEV in your herd, use bleach or accelerated hydrogen peroxide. This virus is enveloped and relatively easy to kill with these products. - If you are concerned about Q fever, use bleach or accelerated hydrogen peroxide. *Coxiella burnetii* is very resistant to environmental degradation and requires a sporicidal disinfectant. ### Safety When Using Disinfectants Always read and follow the label directions. Wear rubber gloves, eye protection, and a respirator if the label requires it. Keep animals away from the area while you are applying disinfectants and until the surfaces are dry or the label says it is safe for animals to return. Store disinfectants in a locked cabinet away from feed and medications. ## The Cleaning Process Step by Step The single most important rule in disinfection is that you cannot disinfect a dirty surface. Organic matter protects pathogens from the disinfectant and can neutralize the product before it has a chance to work. The cleaning process has three phases: remove the organic matter, wash the surfaces, and then disinfect. ### Phase 1: Remove Organic Matter Between does or groups of does, remove all soiled bedding and manure from the pen. Use a pitchfork, shovel, and stiff broom. Pay special attention to corners and edges where material accumulates. If the pen has a concrete floor, scrape it clean. If you use bedding, remove all of it, not just the visibly soiled top layer. ### Phase 2: Wash and Rinse Hose down all surfaces with water. Use a pressure washer if you have one, but be careful not to spray water into electrical outlets or equipment. Scrub stubborn areas with a brush and detergent. A good farm detergent will break down grease and protein films that harbor bacteria. Rinse thoroughly with clean water after washing. ### Phase 3: Apply Disinfectant Apply the disinfectant according to the label directions. Use a sprayer or a mop to coat all surfaces evenly. Pay attention to the contact time listed on the label. This is the amount of time the surface must stay wet with the disinfectant to kill the pathogens. Do not rinse the disinfectant off unless the label says to do so. Allow the pen to dry completely before bringing in fresh bedding and animals. ### Phase 4: Add Fresh Bedding Once the pen is dry, add a generous layer of clean, dry bedding. Straw, wood shavings, and shredded paper are common choices. The bedding should be deep enough to provide cushioning and absorb moisture. During kidding season, you will add more bedding as needed to keep the pen dry. ## Managing the Kidding Pen During Season The kidding area is in constant use during kidding season, and keeping it clean requires a daily routine. The goal is to keep the environment as dry and clean as possible, not to achieve surgical sterility. ### Daily Spot Cleaning Remove soiled bedding and manure at least once a day, and more often if needed. Pay special attention to the area where the doe and kids are lying. Replace soiled bedding with fresh, dry material. Use a manure fork and a wheelbarrow to make the job efficient. ### Between Does After a doe and her kids leave the kidding pen, do a more thorough cleaning before the next doe moves in. Remove all bedding, wash the floor, apply disinfectant, and add fresh bedding. This is especially important if the previous doe had any signs of illness, abortion, or retained placenta. ### Managing Birth Fluids and Placentas Birth fluids and placentas are a significant source of pathogens, including *Coxiella burnetii*. Wear disposable gloves when handling them. Place placentas and soiled bedding in a plastic bag and dispose of them in a way that prevents access by other animals and wildlife. Do not compost placentas unless you have a hot compost system that reaches temperatures high enough to kill pathogens, and even then, be cautious about using the compost on food crops. ### Ventilation and Air Quality A closed, damp kidding barn is a recipe for pneumonia. Open vents, windows, and doors when weather permits. Use fans to move air without creating drafts on the kids. If you can smell ammonia, the ventilation is inadequate. Ammonia damages the respiratory tract and makes kids more susceptible to infection. ### Water and Feed Hygiene Clean waterers daily. Manure and bedding contaminate water quickly, and stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria. Provide feed in elevated feeders or racks that keep it off the floor. Remove uneaten feed daily so it does not sour or attract flies. ## Isolation and Quarantine Protocols Every kidding facility should have a separate isolation pen for sick animals. This pen should be located away from the main kidding area, and ideally, you should care for sick animals last in your daily routine. Use dedicated boots, coveralls, and tools for the isolation area, or disinfect them between uses. ### When to Use the Isolation Pen Move a doe or kid to the isolation pen if you see any of the following signs: - Diarrhea or scours - Coughing, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing - Fever - Lethargy or weakness - Swollen joints - Signs of abortion or retained placenta - Any discharge from the vulva that is not normal lochia ### Isolation Pen Protocol The isolation pen should be cleaned and disinfected daily. Use a disinfectant that is effective against the suspected pathogen. Wear gloves and wash your hands after handling sick animals. Do not move equipment or tools from the isolation pen to the main kidding area without cleaning and disinfecting them first. ### How Long to Isolate Keep animals isolated until they have fully recovered and for at least several days after clinical signs resolve. Some diseases, like *Cryptosporidium*, can be shed for weeks after symptoms disappear. If you are unsure how long to isolate, ask your veterinarian. ## Navel Care and Colostrum Management A clean kidding area is essential, but it is not enough on its own. Two additional practices are critical for preventing newborn infection. ### Navel Dipping The umbilical cord is an open wound that provides a direct route for bacteria to enter the kid's body. Dip the navel in a suitable disinfectant as soon as possible after birth, and repeat the dip several hours later. Use a small cup or jar filled with 7 percent iodine tincture or 4 percent chlorhexidine solution. Dip the entire navel cord into the solution and hold it there for several seconds. Do not use the same dip cup for multiple kids without refilling it with fresh solution. Continue dipping the navel daily for the first few days of life if the cord is still moist. ### Colostrum Management Colostrum provides the antibodies that protect kids from the pathogens in their environment. Give kids colostrum within the first 6 hours of life, and ideally within the first 2 hours. If the doe has a clean udder and the colostrum looks normal, allow the kid to nurse. If you need to bottle feed, use colostrum from a healthy doe in your herd, or a commercial colostrum replacer. Do not pool colostrum from multiple does unless you have tested the donors for CAEV and other diseases. Heat-treating colostrum at 133 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 minutes can kill CAEV and some other pathogens, but it also reduces antibody levels. Work with your veterinarian to decide what is right for your herd. ## Common Mistakes in Kidding Area Hygiene Even experienced producers make mistakes. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them. ### Mistake 1: Disinfecting a Dirty Surface This is the most common failure. Disinfectants cannot penetrate organic matter. If you spray disinfectant over manure and soiled bedding, you are wasting your time and money. The disinfectant is neutralized by the organic material, and the pathogens survive. **The fix:** Always remove all organic matter, wash with detergent, and rinse before applying disinfectant. ### Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Dilution More is not better. Using too much disinfectant can be toxic to animals and corrosive to equipment. Using too little will not kill pathogens. Always measure the disinfectant and follow the label directions exactly. **The fix:** Use a measuring cup or a calibrated dispenser. Label your sprayers with the dilution ratio and date. ### Mistake 3: Rinsing the Disinfectant Off Too Soon Disinfectants need time to work. The contact time is listed on the label and is usually 10 to 30 minutes. If you rinse the disinfectant off after a few seconds, you have not killed the pathogens. **The fix:** Apply the disinfectant, then walk away for the required contact time. Set a timer if you need to. ### Mistake 4: Ignoring Foot Traffic Your boots are a major vehicle for disease transmission. If you walk from a sick pen to a clean kidding pen without disinfecting your boots, you are carrying pathogens with you. **The fix:** Keep dedicated boots for the kidding area. Use a footbath with disinfectant at the entrance, and change the footbath solution daily. Better yet, have separate boots for clean and dirty areas. ### Mistake 5: Forgetting to Clean Equipment Feeders, waterers, buckets, and tools all harbor bacteria. If you clean the pen but use a dirty bucket to feed the kids, you have undone your work. **The fix:** Clean and disinfect all equipment between uses. Have dedicated equipment for the kidding area, and clean it on a regular schedule. ### Mistake 6: Overcrowding the Kidding Area Too many does in a small space creates a buildup of manure and pathogens that no cleaning protocol can overcome. It also increases stress, which suppresses the immune system. **The fix:** Provide at least 20 to 30 square feet per doe in the kidding area, and more if possible. Do not bunch up due dates so tightly that you cannot manage the workload. ### Mistake 7: Poor Drying Time Disinfectants work best on clean, dry surfaces. If you apply disinfectant to a wet floor, it gets diluted and is less effective. If you bring animals back into a damp pen, you create ideal conditions for bacterial growth. **The fix:** Allow the pen to dry completely after disinfecting. This may mean planning ahead so the pen is ready a day before the doe is due. ### Mistake 8: Skipping Records If you do not record which does kidded where, which kids got sick, and what protocols you used, you cannot learn from your successes and failures. **The fix:** Keep a kidding log. Record the doe's ID, kidding date, pen location, any health issues, and the cleaning and disinfection procedures used. ## Monitoring and Recordkeeping Good recordkeeping helps you identify problems early and track the effectiveness of your protocols. ### What to Record For each kidding event, record: - Doe identification and breed - Kidding date and time - Pen or stall location - Number of kids born, sex, and birth weight - Any difficulty during kidding - Colostrum administration time and source - Navel dipping times - Any signs of illness in the doe or kids - Treatments given - Cleaning and disinfection procedures used for the pen before and after ### How to Use the Records At the end of each kidding season, review your records. Look for patterns: - Did kids in a particular pen have more health problems? - Did kids born later in the season have more problems than those born earlier? - Did a particular doe produce kids with more health issues? - Were there outbreaks of scours or pneumonia, and when did they start? Use this information to adjust your protocols for the next season. If kids in one pen had more scours, improve the cleaning and disinfection for that pen. If outbreaks started after a certain date, plan to deep clean the facility at that point in the season. ### Daily Observation The most important monitoring tool is your own observation. Check the kidding area at least every 2 to 4 hours during kidding season, and more often when a doe is close to kidding. Look for: - Does showing signs of labor - Kids that are weak, listless, or not nursing - Kids with diarrhea, especially if it is watery, foul-smelling, or contains blood - Kids with swollen joints, which can indicate joint ill - Does with signs of mastitis, such as a hot, swollen udder or reluctance to let kids nurse - Any abnormal discharge from the doe If you see any of these signs, act quickly. Early intervention is critical for saving sick kids and preventing the spread of disease. ## When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent You should have a working relationship with a veterinarian before kidding season starts. Discuss your kidding plans, your herd's health history, and any concerns you have. Ask about the best protocols for your specific situation. ### Call a Veterinarian Immediately If - A doe is in labor and has been straining for more than 30 minutes without producing a kid - A doe has a prolapsed uterus or vagina - A kid is born weak and not breathing - A doe has a high fever, is lethargic, or is off feed after kidding - A doe has a retained placenta for more than 24 hours - A kid has severe diarrhea, especially if it is bloody or the kid is becoming dehydrated - A kid has a fever, is lethargic, or is not nursing - You suspect a contagious disease outbreak, such as multiple kids with scours or pneumonia - A doe aborts, especially if multiple does abort ### Call an Extension Agent When - You want guidance on biosecurity planning for your farm - You need help developing a herd health plan - You want to learn about the latest research on goat disease prevention - You are planning a new kidding facility and want advice on design - You have questions about recordkeeping or disease surveillance ### Have Emergency Numbers Handy Post your veterinarian's phone number, the nearest emergency veterinary clinic, and your extension agent's contact information in the kidding area. Include a backup contact in case your primary veterinarian is unavailable. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How often should I clean the kidding pen during kidding season? Clean the kidding pen at least once a day, and more often if it is heavily soiled. Remove manure and soiled bedding, and add fresh bedding to keep the area dry. After a doe and her kids leave the pen, do a full cleaning and disinfection before the next doe moves in. The goal is to keep the pen as dry and clean as possible at all times. ### What is the best disinfectant for a kidding area? The best disinfectant depends on the pathogens you are targeting. Accelerated hydrogen peroxide products are a good all-around choice because they are effective against a broad range of pathogens, including *Cryptosporidium*, and they are safe for the environment. Bleach is cheap and effective but is inactivated by organic matter and is corrosive. Chlorhexidine is good for navel dipping but is not effective against *Cryptosporidium*. Match the product to your specific disease concerns and always follow the label directions. ### Can I use bleach to disinfect my kidding pens? Yes, bleach is an effective disinfectant for kidding pens, but you must clean the surfaces thoroughly before applying it. Bleach is inactivated by organic matter, so it will not work on dirty surfaces. Use a fresh dilution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water, apply it to clean surfaces, and allow it to dwell for at least 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and allow the pen to dry before bringing in animals. Be aware that bleach is corrosive to metal and can irritate skin and eyes. ### How do I prevent Cryptosporidium in my kidding area? *Cryptosporidium* is a protozoan parasite that causes severe scours in kids and is very resistant to disinfection. It is not killed by bleach or chlorhexidine. Use an accelerated hydrogen peroxide disinfectant, which is effective against this organism. Remove all organic matter before disinfecting, because the parasite is protected inside fecal material. Keep the environment as dry as possible, and isolate infected kids immediately. Good colostrum management is also critical, because kids need antibodies to fight the infection. ### Should I use a footbath at the entrance to my kidding area? Yes, a footbath can help reduce the spread of disease, but only if it is maintained properly. The footbath should contain a disinfectant that is effective against the pathogens you are concerned about. Change the solution daily, or more often if it becomes visibly dirty. A footbath full of dirty, contaminated solution is worse than no footbath at all, because it can actually spread pathogens. Consider having dedicated boots for the kidding area and changing into them before entering. ### How long should I leave a kidding pen empty between does? If you have the space, leave the pen empty for at least 24 to 48 hours after cleaning and disinfecting. This allows the surfaces to dry completely and gives you time to observe the pen for any issues before the next doe moves in. If you do not have that much time, at least allow the pen to dry completely after disinfection before adding fresh bedding and bringing in the next doe. ### What should I do with the placenta after kidding? Wear disposable gloves and place the placenta in a plastic bag. Dispose of it in a way that prevents access by other animals, dogs, and wildlife. Do not compost placentas unless you have a hot compost system that reaches temperatures high enough to kill pathogens, and be cautious about using the compost on food crops. Placentas can carry *Coxiella burnetii*, the bacteria that causes Q fever, which is a zoonotic disease that can infect humans. ### How do I know if my kidding area ventilation is adequate? The most obvious sign of poor ventilation is a strong ammonia smell. Ammonia comes from the breakdown of urine and manure, and it irritates the respiratory tract of both does and kids. If you can smell ammonia, you need more ventilation. Open vents, windows, and doors when weather permits, and use fans to move air without creating drafts on the kids. Condensation on the walls and ceiling is also a sign of poor ventilation and excess moisture. ## Related Farming Guides - [Goat Kidding Management: From Pregnancy to Weaning](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-kidding-management-from-pregnancy-to-weaning) This section will be populated with links to related farming guides on goat health, kidding management, and biosecurity. Check back for updates. ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Goat Breeding Season Planning: Timing, Nutrition, and Health Checks](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-breeding-season-planning) * [Alfalfa Hay for Goats: Feeding Decisions and Mineral Context](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/alfalfa-hay-for-goats-feeding-decisions-and-mineral-context) * [Goat Fiber Production: Cashmere and Mohair Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-fiber-production-cashmere-mohair-management) ## References - American Consortium for [Small Ruminant Parasite Control](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/food-animal-medicine/small-ruminant-parasite-control-diagnostic-strategies-anthelmintic-stewardship) (ACSRPC): https://www.wormx.info/ - USDA APHIS Goat Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/sheep-goats - FAO Sheep and Goat Production: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/ - FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/ - WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/ > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.