While it is not always possible to prevent all cases of mastitis, it is possible to monitor the mastitis situation within a dairy herd. Monitoring involves recording both the clinical and non-clinical cases of mastitis on a routine basis. Culturing of milk samples is an important part of monitoring for gram+ bacteria (Strep, Staph), gram- bacteria (coliforms, Serratia), mycoplasma and other less frequently encountered organisms (fungus, algae).

Monitoring clinical mastitis:

Record each clinical case by date, cow number, quarter, treatment, treatment response and withdrawal time.

Culture each clinical case to determine the cause especially those which fail to respond - milk samples can be frozen and submitted periodically.

Keep a list of chronic cows which are being repeatedly treated.

Non-clinical mastitis:

Record the bulk tank somatic cell counts and share results with milkers.

Use DHIA for individual cows and lactation groups somatic cell count records.

Culture high somatic cell count cows, particularly cows which have just gone high.

Culture the bulk tank milk for bacteria and mycoplasma monthly or bi-monthly.

Other monitoring:

Culture fresh cows with a few days of calving to monitor dry cow treatment.

Culture first-calf heifers to monitor for environmental mastitis.

By routinely monitoring the clinical and non-clinical cases of mastitis, any beginning mastitis outbreak from bacteria or mycoplasma will be detected long before it becomes a serious threat to the herd. Use all available information whether the source be your veterinarian, DHIA or creamery even though there may be difference in culture methods. All the monitoring information is important and each piece provides a part to the total picture. Consult your dairy farm advisor, veterinarian, or creamery fieldman about the records they provide and for help with interpretation.

Dr. John Kirk, Veterinary Medicine Extension