Now coliform bacteria on the increase
Now coliform bacteria on the increase
WHILE incidence of clinical mastitis may have fallen by two-thirds over the last 30 years, mastitis caused by coliform bacteria has trebled from 5.4% to 17.7%.
Speaking at the launch of the E coli vaccination, Enviracor, Somerset vet and mastitis specialist Peter Edmondson said that coliform mastitis incidence had doubled despite producers adopting the five point plan and being paid bonuses for lower cell count milk.
He believed that the cost of coliform mastitis varies from £37/case for mild infection where cows are treated with tubes to an average of £656/case for toxic mastitis where the vet is involved and half affected cows die, he said.
"In the average 100 cow herd with 50 cases of mastitis a year, 26% of those cases are likely to be due to coliforms; 13 cases a year at an everage of £80 results in a total cost of £1040 a year."
Overstocking
That figure was unlikely to improve with plunging profitability, increasing cow numbers leading to overstocking, and cost cutting.
"Tackling coliform mastitis first means understanding it. There are 297 strains of E coli, with varying strains on different farms. In mild cases – about 50-60% of the time – the cow can cure herself, but 50% of cows suffering from toxic mastitis will die, irrespective of vet care."
He said that E coli is transferred onto teats between milking, and then propelled into the udder during milking or before the teat canal closes. Poor hygiene around calving also increases risks.
Better environmental management would help reduce risks, said Mr Edmondson. Ensuring cows were clean, bedding was dry and clean, avoiding overcrowding and making sure cubicles fit cows are all crucial, as is better management of dry and calving cows.
"Pre-milking teat preparation is also vital. Teats must be clean and dry, and pre-dipping will help reduce bacterial contamination in milk and environmental mastitis incidence."
However, he believed that milking machines were often overlooked as a source of infection.
"Change liners frequently, have your milking machine regularly serviced and properly maintained, use dynamic testing and have machines upgraded as necessary."