A composition that includes ethylhexyl sulfate or a salt thereof, an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid or a salt thereof, and a carrier. The composition can be used for killing or inhibiting a microorganism or pathogen (e.g., bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, enteric bacteria, virus, fungus, mold, mildew or powdery mildew), located on a topical surface of an animal, located on a surface of an object that will contact a topical surface of an animal, or a combination thereof, wherein the microorganism or pathogen is associated with the transmission of communicable diseases.
