 New research confirms teat disinfection is important
Mastitis
occurs after bacteria enter the udder through the end of the teat. It’s
a numbers game – if you minimise bacteria near the teat ends, you minimise
infections. Disinfecting teats is the only way to control cow-associated
bacteria such as Staph aureus and Strep ag. Recent research also
shows that it significantly reduces new infections caused by environmental
bacteria such as Strep uberis.
Milk
from quarters with mastitis contains bacteria that may contaminate the skin of
many other teats during milking. Bacteria
in
milk from an infected cow may be found on the teatcup liners and transferred
to the teat skin of the next five to six cows that are milked with that
unit. Once on the teat skin, they multiply (especially at sites of teat lesions)
and infect the quarter through the teat opening.
Healthy teat
skin is easier to keep clean and has fewer locations for bacteria to grow, so it
makes sense that post-milking teat disinfection is vital to control mastitis
caused by environmental bacteria.
Field
experience in Australian herds with Strep uberis problems has repeatedly
shown that effective post-milking teat spraying helps resolve their problems.
This finding was confirmed in 2001 when field research in New Zealand achieved
more than 50 percent reduction in new Strep uberis infection rates by
using teat disinfection.
Teat
disinfection is one of the most effective cell count and mastitis control
measures available, but only if it’s done well.
Length:
245 words
Image
caption: Teat
disinfection is one of the most effective cell count and mastitis control
measures available
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