Evaluation of Prescribing Patterns Using WHO Indicators at Out Patient Department of A Private Hospital in Warangal

Abstract

Since the introduction of the standard mastitis prevention program by Neave et al. (1969), enormous progress has been achieved in decreasing the prevalence of intramammary infection (IMI) and average bulk milk somatic cell count (SCC) in countries that have applied it. Most European countries and Canada have experienced this, promoted by the introduction of penalty limits for bulk milk SCC (BMSCC). In these countries, a significant decrease in prevalence of IMI, particularly caused by the contagious pathogens Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus, was found showing that the herd level approach is effective. However, the result depends heavily on the long-term implementation of the management practices by the farmer and his/her workers and their motivation. The approach of a herd with a high BMSCC is similar to that of other outbreak investigation. Essential is that the problem is approached systematically. The plan includes the following elements: 1) Problem definition using the five primary udder health parameters (BMSCC, new infection rate (NIR), % heifers with high SCC in early lactation, incidence rate of clinical mastitis (IRCM), and % of cows culled because of udder health per year); Depending on the problem, secondary parameters such as the distribution of parity and days in milk may be analyzed; 2) Detection of the cows causing the problem; availability of monthly composite SCC is essential; 3) Definition of short-and long-term goals, together with the farmer; 4) An approach is planned and implemented; and 5) Evaluation of the results. All is written down in a short report which is used at the follow-up visit. Every high BMSCC problem (and most clinical mastitis problems) can be solved if the farmer is sufficiently motivated, farm advisors are sufficiently knowledgeable, and if farmer and advisor work together according to a jointly determined plan.