Therapy: One Component in a Mastitis Control System

Abstract

On the basis of present information the author is led to the conclusion that the treatment of all quarters of all cows at the time of drying off is the preferred system and should be combined with a teat dip program. It is more effective in eliminating existing infections than lactation therapy because more infections are contacted with a higher recovery rate. As a result of eliminating infection in the dry period, quarters return to near normal production in the next lactation and the new dry period infection rate is reduced from approximately 12 to 4%. All quarters are treated once a year which keeps many infections from advancing into the more advanced stages of pathogenesis. The system easily can be carried out by the dairyman with a minimum of inconvenience. All infections are contacted as compared to 30 to 50% for other systems. As a result the dairyman will obtain the fastest response and the greatest improvement. However the statement of Wilson (26) is very applicable, “Mastitis control does not lie in the antibiotic tube…” An effective mastitis control system must combine an effective dry treatment program with an effective hygiene program. © 1971, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.