Doc's Corner

Doc's Corner Article 116

October 6, 2006
 

"Negligence Contributes to Mastitis”

Is it negligence or lack of understanding on the Dairyman’s part
that contributes to increased mastitis levels. How many remember
the old adage of keeping your cows on their feet for an hour or so
after milking, by feeding, so that the cow does not lie down and
contaminate her teat ends which can contribute to increased
mastitis levels. How many remember in the early 80's when the
“Hairy Foot Wart” condition was first recognized that foot baths
became popular and Copper Sulfate was used - a fresh solution
recommended for every 100 to 150 animals passing through.

Today, how many dairymen force their cows through a filthy foot
bath where solutions are not changed every 100 to 200 cows.
Are they aware of the fact that copper sulfate and formaldehyde
solutions have very little effect on the environmental bacteria that
contribute to increased mastitis levels. Are they aware of the fact
that free copper ions in solution rapidly bind with organic materials
and rapidly become ineffective in killing the spirochete organisms
that contribute to animal lameness.

Is it possible for splashed manure water on relatively open teat
sphincters to penetrate the mammary gland and cause mastitis?

Today, in spite of all of the new and advanced milking equipment
and improved knowledge in mastitis control, mastitis remains the
most costly disease in the dairy industry, reproduction problems
being second and lameness being third.

If the above is relatively true, perhaps we should consider cleaning
up our lanes from milking parlor to feeding and resting area. If
foot baths represent a possible source of mastitis infection we
should eliminate them and find a better way to control conditions
that cause bovine lameness.

Based upon current knowledge, it is very easy to assume that
foot baths could cause a mastitis problem. I certainly recommend
that dairymen clean up their exit lanes from the milking area to
the feeding area and make every effort to maintain present foot
baths in the recommended manner for correct control of the
“Hairy Foot Wart” problem.

Present effort is being made to:
* determine the bacterial levels in foot-baths over a period of 24
hours
* determine how effective presently used chemicals are to control
environmental bacteria
* determine if the manure baths really contribute to increased
mastitis levels

Doc's Corner is a contribution of Lionel H. Brazil, DVM (1928-2007) and Mike Brazil, President of Western Dairy Research, Inc. Dr. Brazil offered dairy consultation services worldwide for many years. His services covered the following areas: milking management, vacuum system evaluation; and all management procedures relating to mastitis control and SCC reduction. Mike Brazil can be reached by calling 800-635-6413 in the US or 949-598-9700 or emailing at docscorner@sentinelproducts.com.