Effect of infusing an internal teat sealant into a gland infected with a major pathogen

Abstract

Infusion of an internal teat sealant alone, or in combination with an antimicrobial, at the end of lactation (in cows) or alone 1 month before calving (in heifers) is an effective method to reduce the rate of new infection over the dry period (in cows) and in reducing incidence of clinical mastitis in the subsequent lactation (cows and heifers). Where appropriate care is taken with infusion, the risk of iatrogenic infection is low. Internal teat sealants used alone offer an effective option to prevent new infections, reduce clinical mastitis incidence rate, while reducing overall antimicrobial use in dairy cows.