THE SPOKANE CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT MASTITIS CONTROL PROGRAM

Abstract

The City of Spokane Health Department was asked by the U. S. Public Health Service to study and instigate a practical abnormal milk control program in 1962. From May until November 1962 composite bulk tank samples were tested using the Modified Whiteside Test. Some abnormal milk appeared in 42% of the bulk tank samples. With this information, a meeting was called which included personnel from the U. S. Public Health Service, State Department of Health, State Department of Agriculture, Idaho Health Department, Extension Service, Dairy Industry, the Dairy Science Departments of Washington State University and the University of Idaho. A program was started using five committees recommended by the National Mastitis Council and a steering committee. The Direct Microscopic Leucocyte Count (DMLC) was adopted for official use and an educational program was started.In April 1965, it was agreed that enforcement was needed to bring the leucocyte level below 1,000,000 per ml. After a few suspensions, the results were amazing, dropping from 22% to 1% of the producers continually with over a million per ml of milk.In April 1966, the City adopted the 1965 U. S. Public Health Service Grade “A” Milk Ordinance and included an Abnormal Milk Section with 800,000 leucocytes/ml as a limit and using the 3 out of 5 method of suspension. At present, the DMLC is the official method and the industry is using the Wisconsin Mastitis Test monthly on all their producers.The program has been very successful because of the cooperation of the milk industry, machine installers, Extension Service, Dairy Science Departments and Health Departments. It will be possible in the future to meet the 500,000 leucocytes per ml limit.