Treating and managing cases of mastitis in fresh cows can be a nightmare - especially if the first few cases represent the beginning of a major problem. To avoid being overwhelmed with mastitis at calving, it pays to put your energy into prevention.

Mastitis infections occur when bacteria enter the udder through the teats. To minimise the risk of new mastitis infections, reduce the number of bacteria near the teat end at milking and improve the condition and health of the teat skin.

A clean, dry calving area is the start. This minimises the number of bacteria on the teat surfaces.

The next step is to concentrate on what happens at the first few milkings. Strep uberis bacteria that are on the teat skin out in the calving area often pass through the teat openings if milk is dripping or during the milking process.

Bring freshly calved cows into the shed as soon as possible after calving. The sooner the udder is completely milked out, the better the chance of flushing away invading bacteria that cause mastitis.Fresh cows have teats that are tight and tender. Teat skin is often dry (the last teat spray emollient was weeks ago) with extra dirt and manure.

For the first milkings, when the risk of new infection is highest, it’s really worth an extra investment in teat preparation.

Spend a few minutes arranging your shed routines so that cups go onto clean, dry teats. Extra attention may involve carefully washing teats with a low-pressure hose and drying with a soft individual paper towel for the first few milkings of each fresh cow. Disinfecting each teat with emollient after milking is also essential to reduce bacteria and soften skin.

If you are using test buckets, ensure fresh cows are never milked with clusters that have been used on mastitis cows.

Remember every clinical case is disruptive and costly, so it is essential to keep cows mastitis-free from the start of each lactation.

A special milking routine for fresh cows is a small investment that can give large returns.

A Countdown Mastitis Focus report for your farm helps you monitor the success of your calving system and the incidence of clinical cases around calving. For more information visit www.countdown.org.au or talk to your local vet or herd improvement organisation.