Welcome to the Purdue OWL

Interventions

Rationale for Interventions

1, 2

• Conduct culture and sensitivity test (DVM)
• Sanitize teat ends (VT)
• Collect 4 quarter milk samples using accepted procedures (VT)
• Administer prescribed medication based on test results and subsequent DVM Rx (DVM)
• Warm pack and massage udder every six hours (VT)

Teat ends are sanitized to prevent iatrogenic infections and contamination of the milk samples with environmental organisms. Teats are sanitized from the farthest to nearest teat to limit the possibility of contamination while sanitizing. Individual quarter samples are collected to identify the causative organism in each quarter. Samples are collected from the nearest to farthest teat to limit the possibility of contamination in the collection process.

Reference: “Procedures for Collecting Milk Samples” (2004). Microbiological Procedures for the Diagnosis of Bovine Udder Infection (3rd ed.). National Mastitis Council. Retrieved from: www.nmconline.org/sampling.htm

Warmth and massage help increase circulation to the udder, thereby mitigating congestion.

Reference: Bassert, J.M. & McCurnin, D. M. (2002) Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians (5th ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders.

3

• Milk patient last (every 12 hours) (VT)
• Sanitize udder and teats (VT)
• Hand strip quarters (VT)
• Dip teats (VT)
• Inspect milking machines and evaluate practices (VT)

Milking cows with mastitis last in order helps prevent the spread of mastitis to other cows. Proper vacuum and sequencing of the milking machine, as well as fit and sanitation of teat cups, limits irritation and contamination of the teats.

Reference: Schroeder, J.W. (2010) Mastitis Control Programs: Bovine Mastitis and Milking Management. Retrieved from: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ansci/dairy/as1129w.htm