Mastitis control

Question 1

Routes of infection of mastitis

Answer 1

Occurs when bacteria enter the gland through the teat canal

Overwhelm the natural defences

Colonise the mammary tissue

Occurs when teat canal is open, during the milking process

Outcome of infection is either clinical or subclinical infection

Question 2

Grades of clinical mastitis

Answer 2

• Changes to the secretion (grade 1)
  ○ Abnormal colour
  ○ Watery
  ○ Clots
  
  • Changes to the gland (grade 2)
    ○ Heat
    ○ Swelling
    ○ Pain
  • Changes to the cow (grade 3)
    ○ Sick

Question 3

Target levels of mastitis in first month of lactation

Answer 3

1 in 12

This is mastitis assumed to have been picked up during dry period

Question 4

Target levels of mastitis after first month of lactation

Answer 4

2 in 12

assumed to have been picked up during lactation

Question 5

What % of clinical mastitis is in first 100 days of lactation

Answer 5

60%

Question 6

SCC cut off for infection

Answer 6

> 200,000 cell/ml of milk

But compromise of all 4 quarters

Question 7

Major pathogens of mastitis

Answer 7

○ Streptococcus agalactiae
○ Staphylococcus aureus
○ Streptococcus dysgalactiae
○ Streptococcus uberis
○ Escherichia coli (Coliforms)