Incidence Of Mastitis Research Articles

Effect of 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil or dexamethasone administration on the responses of antimicrobial components in goat milk to intramammary lipopolysaccharide infusion.

Heat stress impacts the immune system of dairy animals by altering the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and thyroid function, leading to conditions such as hypothyroidism and hypercortisolism. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of hypothyroidism and hypercortisolism on the response of mammary innate immune function to inflammation caused by Escherichia coli in dairy goats. To induce hypothyroidism and hypercortisolism, we administered 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU; for 21 days) and dexamethasone (DEX; for 5days), respectively, to six goats each; six goats without treatment were used as the control group. After treatment, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli O111 was infused into the mammary gland. Somatic cell counts (SCC) and levels of lactoferrin (LF), S100A7, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in milk until 7days after LPS infusion were measured. An increase in SCC after LPS infusion was inhibited in both PTU and DEX groups, and an increase in LF after LPS infusion was inhibited in PTU group, compared with that in the control group. The results of the present study suggest that the recruitment of neutrophils and LF production decreased under hypothyroidism or hypercortisolism, which may be one of the causes underlying increased incidence of mastitis in dairy animals under heat stress conditions.

Prevention of mastitis in multiparous dairy cows with a previous history of mastitis by oral feeding with probiotic Bacillus subtilis.

Mastitis is a very common inflammatory disease of the mammary gland of dairy cows, resulting in a reduction of milk production and quality. Probiotics may serve as an alternative to antibiotics to prevent mastitis, and the use of probiotics in this way may lessen the risk of antibiotic resistant bacteria developing. We investigated the effect of oral feeding of probiotic Bacillus subtilis (BS) C‐3102 strain on the onset of mastitis in dairy cows with a previous history of mastitis. BS feeding significantly decreased the incidence of mastitis, the average number of medication days and the average number of days when milk was discarded, and maintained the mean SCC in milk at a level substantially lower than the control group. BS feeding was associated with lower levels of cortisol and TBARS and increased the proportion of CD4+ T cells and CD11c+ CD172ahigh dendritic cells in the blood by flow cytometry analysis. Parturition increased the migrating frequency of granulocytes toward a milk chemoattractant cyclophilin A in the control cows, however, this was reduced by BS feeding, possibly indicating a decreased sensitivity of peripheral granulocytes to cyclophilin A. These results reveal that B. subtilis C‐3102 has potential as a probiotic and has preventative capacity against mastitis in dairy cows.

Genetic parameters for milk yield, casein percentage, subclinical mastitis incidence and sexual precocity using Bayesian linear and threshold models

Context The economic efficiency of a dairy system is associated with the animal’s productive and reproductive abilities. Therefore, selection criteria should include milk production and quality traits as well as traits related to health and fertility. Since such phenotypes can present non-normal distributions, the use of threshold models is appropriate to study the genetic variation of such traits. Aim To estimate variance components for dairy production and functional traits in a Brazilian Holstein cattle population using linear and threshold models under a Bayesian approach. Methods Data comprised 64 657 test-day records for milk yield (MY, kg/day), casein percentage (CP, % of milk) and subclinical mastitis incidence (SCM), along with 4460 records for sexual precocity (PREC) from 5439 cows. Both SCM and PREC were defined as binary traits. Genetic analyses were based on linear (for MY and CP) and threshold (for SCM and PREC) models using Bayesian estimation. Non-informative and informative priors were considered for variance components, and these models were compared using the deviance information criterion (DIC) and the absolute difference between DIC (Δ). Key results Posterior means of heritability for MY, CP, SCM and PREC were 0.14, 0.39, 0.13 and 0.38 (based on non-informative priors) and 0.13, 0.27, 0.13 and 0.44 (considering informative priors), respectively. The model based on non-informative priors was better (lower DIC) for CP, whereas for PREC, the best model used informative priors. No differences between priors (Δ < 5) were observed for MY and SCM. Conclusions Threshold models were adequate for the analysis of non-normally distributed traits. The use of informative priors can be beneficial if specification is based on results from similar databases and models. Due to their high genetic variation, CP and PREC can be considered as selection criteria in animal breeding programs. In turn, accurate genetic evaluation for MY and SCM will depend on the pedigree and the information from genetically correlated traits. Implications Our study contributes to the understanding of the variation under important dairy production traits in a tropical Holstein population and provides information on the use of Bayesian threshold models as an appropriate method for the evaluation of non-normally distributed phenotypes.

Incidence, risk factors and economic impact of clinical mastitis in dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The study aimed to investigate the incidence, risk factors and economic impact of clinical mastitis in an organized camel herd located at Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. Furthermore, bacterial pathogens were isolated and identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis. The overall annual incidence of clinical mastitis was 25%, with highest incidence in Bikaneri and Mewari breed followed by Kachchhi and Jaisalmeri breeds. Animals with high peak yield appeared at higher risk, though statistical significance could not be established for any risk factor included in the study. Highest incidence was recorded in camels falling in 4th or higher parity group. In 80% cases, only one udder quarter was involved, while in rest 20% cases, two udder quarters were involved. Quarter-wise incidence was maximum in right fore-quarter followed by left fore-quarter, right hind-quarter and left hind-quarter. Important pathogens identified included Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus uberis, Bacillus clausii and Corynebacterium amylocolatum. Other isolates included Staphylococcus hominis, Streptococcus pluranimalium, Aerococcus viridians and Moraxella osloensis. The mean cost of clinical mastitis per animal per month was calculated as Indian Rs. 181.63 (~ US$ 2.45), while the mean cost per animal per annum was Indian Rs. 2179.29 (~ US$ 29.37). The maximum cost incurred in purchase of drugs (43.63%), followed by cost of discarded milk plus milk production loss (18.17%) and cost of veterinary services (17.03%). To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting economic impact of clinical mastitis in camel.

A SİMULATİON STUDY TO DETERMİNE THE RESPONSE OF MORKARAMAN SHEEP RAİSED İN CENTRAL AND EASTERN ANATOLİAN TO CHANGİNG CLİMATE CONDİTİONS

Climate change has begun to affect the whole world seriously. If necessary and sufficient measures are not taken, it seems possible that much bigger disasters will occur in the future. The agricultural sector, which forms the basis of food production, is affected the most and rapidly by this change. Significant decreases have been observed in plant and animal production. Our primary purpose is to determine the reproductive potential of animals and the amount of resistance to climate change and evaluate the economic situation. The study was carried out within ten years, covering 2009-2019. In this study, morkaraman sheep bred in the province of Kırşehir in the Central Anatolian Region and the province of Bingöl in the Eastern Anatolia Region is considered material in Turkey. In order to obtain the data used, a total of 296 sheep, 145 sheep in the Eastern Anatolia Region and 151 sheep in the Central Anatolia Region, were evaluated. The simulation study was carried out using the polygenic model. The variables examined are as follows; Lactation time (days), Average daily milk yield (ml), Daily amount of feed consumed for 1 kg live weight (kg), Yield (%), Incidence of Mastitis, Daily oil yield (g/day), Daily protein yield ( g/day), Fertility (%), Fertility time (productivity) (Days), Change in milk yield for each degree above 22 °C and Protein change for each degree above 22 °C (g/°C /day). As a result, in a one-degree increase in temperature, the highest negative effect is seen in the average daily milk yield and lactation period. Fertility and the amount of feed consumed per kg of weight had the lowest value. The preliminary work to be done with the work is that the selection of animals that are resistant/tolerant to climate change should be made. Keywords: Genotypic effects, climatic change, morkaraman sheep, simulation, sustainability.

Incidence of Granulomatous Mastitis at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital for the Past Two Years

Background: To find the incidence of Granulomatous mastitis at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital for a period of past two years.
 Methods: Retrospective study Incidence of Granulomatous Mastitis at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital for the past two years. The specimens were received from the histopathology section of the pathology department. Detailed gross examination of the specimen was done. This was followed by fixation and staining, done using hematoxylin and eosin stains.
 Results: In the period of two years from 2019 to 2020, 10 cases have been reported . Out of which five cases belonged to the reproductive age group, two cases in the post menopausal age group and three cases belonged to peri menopausal age group.
 All the patients presented with a lump on the breast and abscess. The treatment consists of corticosteroid therapy and minimal surgical intervention.
 Conclusion: Granulomatous mastitis is an inflammatory condition that mimics carcinoma of breast. Hence diagnosis is mainly made through exclusion and examination of histopathology slides. Core needle biopsy is the gold standard technique used in the diagnosis of the condition. It’s a self limiting disease, and requires surveillance,corticosteroid therapy and surgical intervention.

Lactoferrin gene polymorphism of exons 8 and 13 in Murrah buffalo

Lactoferrin is one of the important candidate genes for mastitis resistance in dairy animals. The gene is located on chromosome BBU21 and consists of 17 exons spanning over 32.95 kb of genomic DNA. The present study was undertaken with the objectives to identify allelic variants in exon 8 and 13 of lactoferrin gene and to analyze their association with incidence of clinical mastitis in Murrah buffalo. A total of 200 lactating Murrah buffaloes, grouped as mastitis affected and non-affected, were included in the study. Genomic DNA was isolated from the whole blood sample of each animal. Two primer sets were used to amplify exon 8 and 13 of lactoferrin gene, which yielded respective amplicons of 216 bp and 211 bp. The PCR-RFLP analysis of lactoferrin gene revealed monomorphic pattern in exon 8 and polymorphic pattern in exon 13. Hpy 188I -RFLP for exon 13 exhibited polymorphism with three genotypes: AA, AB and BB with respective frequencies of 0.20, 0.58 and 0.22 whereas, frequencies for A and B alleles were estimated as 0.49 and 0.51. Comparison of nucleotide sequence of exonic region of lactoferrin gene in Murrah buffalo with that of Bos taurus cattle revealed a total of 5 mutations out of which 2 were transition and 3 were transversion. The SNPs in exon 8 were found to be non synonymous and revealed two amino acid changes in exon 8 of Murrah buffalo as compared to Bos taurus cattle. Chi-square (χ2) analysis indicated non significant association between genetic variants of exon 13 and incidence of clinical mastitis.

Sanitary practices associated with animal welfare in the control of mastitis in the dairy herd

Agricultural practices are a powerful tool with health management contributing to the improved performance of production of animal welfare. The study aimed to verify that farming practices are important tools in the control of bovine mastitis and the degree of knowledge of the producers with respect to the practices. Guided visits were carried out the rural properties, when they were distributed educational materials and tools, made from recyclable material, used in the management of sanitary practices related to animal welfare. To evaluate the physiological profile were collected biological samples such as: blood, feces and milk, and for assessing the sanity and animal welfare were used a questionnaire. Blind 20 cows were selected for a total of 79 rooms of which breast; 36 rooms were negative to the CMT, but 12 were of these were positive to Staphylococcus and microbiology microorganism of higher occurrence. Animal welfare was compromised by the incidence of Subclinical Mastitis, infestation of flies and the absence of prophylactic measures. It is concluded that the use of good agricultural practices is a suitable tool associated with the animal welfare and important in the identification of bovine mastitis, and a lack of information and knowledge regarding best practices, especially in relation to preventive management.

Association of Lameness with Body Condition Score, Udder Health and Milk Quality in Sahiwal Dairy Cows

Background: Bovine lameness predominantly due to foot disorders is a severe herd health concern instigating substantial influence on dairy economics owing to increased odds of mastitis and reduced fertility. Timely diagnosis and treatment of lameness can save these economic losses. The current study was aimed to evaluate lameness and its effect on animal health in terms of body condition score and on udder health in Sahiwal cows. Methods: 204 lactating Sahiwal dairy cows in different lactation lengths and parities, from local Sahiwal farms in Punjab were evaluated for lameness. Cows were scored for body condition and lameness. Quarter foremilk used to determine the quarter health status of the cows by California mastitis test (CMT) and bacteriological culture and cow composite milk samples for estimation of somatic cell count (SCC), electrical conductivity, pH and milk composition, in terms of fat, solids not fat, protein and lactose were collected maintaining aseptic conditions. Result: 34 per cent had asymmetry in gait or mild lame, 5 per cent had moderate lameness and 1 per cent had severe lameness. Lameness had no significant effect on the body condition scores of Sahiwal cows. Subclinical mastitis was found in 40.2 per cent of Sahiwal dairy cows. It was concluded that incidence of mastitis was higher in the lame group as revealed by CMT and bacteriological culture and the lame group had significantly (P less than 0.05) more SCC and electrical conductivity than healthy cows. However, milk composition was not affected by lameness.

Impact of genomic selection on health improvement of high-yielding cows

The use of selection in dairy cattle breeding, focused for many decades on increasing milk productivity and technological properties of milk (fats and proteins), has led to the health problems of cows, including a decrease in the reproductive function, the prevalence of lameness, metritis, mastitis, infectious lesions of hooves, ketosis, milk fever and others (on average, from 30,0 % to 70,0 %). Calves, which are born by high-yielding cows in their early postnatal period, are characterized by a high mortality rate due to diarrhea (56,0 %) and respiratory diseases (47,0 %). The mortality of young animals and the forced culling of cows are global problems in the world of dairy farming. As a result, there is an interest in disease resistance breeding of dairy cattle, given that only healthy animals have an economic value, being effective and profitable. The purpose of this article was to provide some information on the global trends in the selection of dairy cattle. It is shown that genomic selection, which is originally used among bulls for their assessment and selection based on the productivity of offspring, is currently used to select female cattle by predicting their own further productivity. At the same time, the current direction of selection is a new group of economically significant breeding traits related, inter alia, to animal health, when all traits are assessed together (milk productivity, fat production, protein production, number of live calves produced, incidence of mastitis, lameness, metritis and other signs). The level of genomic selection's reliability is shown, which is 49,0 %, achieved as a result of developments begun in 2016 on the use of genomic selection, taking into account the indicated signs of health. The task is to improve the reliability of estimates for a wide range of phenotypic traits that contribute to the profitability resulting from keeping dairy cows throughout their productive life.

Milk Somatic Cell Count and Polymorphonuclear Cells in Healthy Quarters of Cows That Underwent Blanket and Selective Dry Therapy: An Italian Case Study.

The incidence of mastitis increases with parity in dairy cattle and multiparous cows are often treated at drying off to limit the risk of udder health issues and support mammary gland tissues recovery. Milk somatic cells count (SCC, cells/mL) comprises different white blood cells fractions and is worldwide used to monitor and genetically improve udder health. Nevertheless, only certain SCC fractions increase when an udder inflammation occurs. Considering that antibiotic use for preventive purposes will be forbidden in 2022, we compared two different dry therapy protocols, blanket (BDCT) and selective (SDCT), on different SCC fractions in healthy quarters milk. Multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial and SCC, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and differential somatic cell count (DSCC) recorded after the experimental drying off were available. Significant differences were observed between the two protocols, with more favorable parameters in BDCT than SDCT cows. Results showed that moving from BDCT to SDCT is expected to significantly increase some SCC fractions, such as PMN, in healthy quarters. The baseline SCC level at the onset of lactation was greater in cows under SDCT than BDCT. Although not significant, clinical mastitis prevalence was numerically lower in BDCT (7.32%) than SDCT (8.62%). In this study we referred to a limited number of cows, but still findings will be useful to improve the knowledge on the impact of SDCT on milk SCC fractions in healthy quarters.

Incidence, antibiotic treatment and outcomes of lactational mastitis: Findings from The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa).

Mastitis is a common and distressing maternal postpartum condition, but the relationship between mastitis timing and antibiotic treatment and breastfeeding outcomes and postnatal mental health is unclear. To describe the incidence of mastitis and treatment with antibiotics in first 6months postpartum, and to investigate the impact of mastitis timing and antibiotic treatment on breastfeeding practices and postnatal mental health. This study is based on 79,985mother-infant dyads in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Women were classified according to self-reported mastitis within first month ('early') or 1-6months ('later') postpartum and antibiotic treatment. Breastfeeding outcomes included predominant or any breastfeeding and abrupt breastfeeding cessation until 6months postpartum. Maternal mental health was assessed by self-report at 6months postpartum. The incidence of mastitis was 18.8%, with 36.8% reporting treatment with antibiotics. Women reporting early mastitis were less likely to report predominant breastfeeding (adjustedd relative risk [aRR] 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86, 0.99) and any breastfeeding for 6months (aRR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96, 0.98) than women who did not report mastitis, and more likely to report abrupt breastfeeding cessation (aRR 1.37, 95% CI 1.23, 1.53). Late-onset mastitis was not associated with poorer breastfeeding outcomes. Among women reporting mastitis, the risk of abrupt breastfeeding cessation was higher in those also reporting antibiotic use. Mastitis was associated with an increased risk of mental health problems postpartum which was highest among those reporting no antibiotic use (aRR 1.29, 95% CI 1.18, 1.41), in contrast to those also reporting antibiotic use (aRR 1.08, 95% CI 0.96, 1.22). Lactational mastitis and its associated treatment with antibiotics are common. Early (<1month postpartum) mastitis appears to be a modest risk factor for suboptimal breastfeeding outcomes. In addition, mastitis is associated with poorer mental health.

Reproductive Performance and Culling Rate of Purebred Holstein Cows and Their Crosses With Fleckvieh and Brown Swiss Cows Under Subtropical Conditions.

This study aimed to elucidate the reproductive performance of purebred Holstein (HO) cows with their crosses with Fleckvieh (FV) and Brown Swiss (BS) cows under subtropical conditions. A total of 677 cows [487 HO, 104 HO × FV (HFV); 50% FV and 50% HO and 86 HO × BS (HB); 50% BS and 50% HO] were enrolled in this study. Pure HO cows had significantly greater service per conception (S/C; 3.69), days open (147.9 days), and calving interval (449.6 days), than the HFV (2.89, 116.7, and 407.4 days, respectively) and HB (3.07, 134.3, and 434.2 days, respectively) crossbred cows. At day 28, the conception percentage was significantly greater among HFV crossbred cows vs. pure HO cows [crude odds ratios (COR) = 2.16], but embryonic loss, abortion percentage, calving difficulty, and retained placenta percentage were similar (p > 0.05) among pure HO cows and their crosses. HFV crossbreds had significantly lower incidence of endometritis (COR = 0.70, p = 0.035), mastitis (COR = 0.69, p = 0.015), and ketosis (COR = 0.53, p = 0.004) vs. other cows. HB and pure HO cows had a similar incidence of mastitis, lameness, and ketosis (COR = 0.76, 0.75, and 0.81; p = 0.223, 0.468, and 0.492, respectively). HFV crossbred cows had a lower risk of culling rate than HB crossbred cows. In summary, HFV cows demonstrated the best reproductive performance in terms of S/C, days open, calving interval, conception at 28 days, mastitis percentage, ketosis percentage, and endometritis.

The relationship between subclinical mastitis and reproductive performance of etawa crossbreed (PE) goat in Kokap, Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta

Etawa crossbreed (PE) goat farm has been well developed in Kokap, Kulonprogo, and Yogyakarta. The important aspects that support it are doe’s health and reproductive performance. This study aimed to determine the relationship between subclinical mastitis incidence and reproductive performance of the does. This study used 84 does from four different farms, which tested using California Mastitis Test (CMT) to determine the mastitis status. The reproductive performance data gained through a questionnaire and the relation to the mastitis status was analyzed using Chi-square. The result showed that the prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 16.67 % (14 does). In the non-mastitis does, 75.71% had long calving interval (CI), 88.57% had long days open (DO), 44.29% had Litter size (LS) 1, and 12.86% had service per conception (S/C) more than 2. Meanwhile, in the mastitis group, the does with long CI was 71.43%, long DO was 85.71%, LS 1 was 28.57%, and S/C > 2 was 14.29%. The chi-square analyses showed no relationship between subclinical mastitis cases with long CI (X2=0.22), long DO (X2=0.09), LS 1 (X2=1.19), and high S/C (X2=0.02). It can be concluded that there was no relation of mastitis cases to reproductive performance of PE does in Kokap, Kuloprogo, and Yogyakarta.

California Test to Detect of Mastitis Incidence, Parity and Stage of Lactation to Indicators to Milk Composition in Iraqi Buffaloes

The research was carried out in the Hashemite district (25 km southwest of Babil Governorate) on 150 female Iraqi buffaloes for the period from 2/7/2019 to 1/6/2020, with the aim of studying the relationship between the California test and a number of milk traits. The results showed a significant effect (P≤0.01) of the reproductive cycle sequence in the CMT and the proportions of both fat and protein in the milk, as the California test scores reached the maximum for female buffaloes in the fourth milk cycle (1.80 degrees). There was a highly significant variation (P≤0.01) in the percentage of fat according to the different production cycle, and the highest percentage of fat in milk was in female buffaloes during the first milk cycle (6.59%). It was found that the milk production stage had a significant effect on the CMT degrees, as the CMT degree increased with the progression of the milking stage, until it reached during the third stage of the milk production cycle (1.59) and was lower in the first production cycle (1.48). The percentage of fat was significantly affected (P≤0.01) by the stage of milk production (Table 1), as it reached the highest (6.86%) in the third stage of the production season and the lowest (5.98%) during the second stage. It is concluded from the research that the California test is an indicator of some components of milk and that the degree of the California test and the percentage of fat are affected by the sequence of birth and the stage of milk production in buffaloes.

ANALYSIS OF HEREDITARY PREDISPOSITION TO MAMMARY GLAND DISEASES IN ANIMALS

This article presents data on the study of hereditary predisposition to diseases of the mammary gland in cats. The studies were carried out on the basis of veterinary clinics in the cities of Rostov-on-Don, Novocherkassk, Shakhty for 8 years. In the course of the research, a predisposition to the development of mastitis in cats of various breeds with a history of breast disease in the parents was established. A direct relationship was revealed between the incidence of mastitis in daughters and mothers with a history of breast diseases (86.9%). At the same time, mothers without breast disease in the anamnesis were noted in 13% of cases, with breast infl ammation – 18.5%, with a diagnosis of mastopathy – 23.2%, with breast tumors – in 45.2% of cases. It was also determined that in cats whose mothers did not have a history of breast disease, mastitis of moderate severity is most often recorded (47.4%), a severe course of the disease is slightly less common (37%), a mild course of mastitis is noted in 15.5% of cases. During the research, it was found that in cats whose mothers had a history of breast disease, moderate and severe mastitis is most often noted, 36.2% and 39.9%, respectively. Slightly less often mild mastitis is recorded in such animals – 23.8%. It has been determined that in daughters from mothers with a history of breast diseases, moderate and severe infl ammation of the mammary gland prevails.

Pharmacological correction of metabolism in cows to reduce the risk of developing pathology of the birth and postpartum periods

During pregnancy, the body of cows is very sensitive to unfavorable environmental factors, for example, errors in feeding and maintenance, which negatively affects their health, manifested by metabolic disorders, the development of pathology of the birth and postpartum periods. For the research, Holstein cows were selected two months before calving and were divided into two groups: control and experimental. Blood samples were taken from all cows, followed by a study of the biochemical composition on the first and 14 days of the experimental period, and the presence or absence of pathology of the birth process and the postpartum period was also taken into account. The results of the research have shown that impaired mineral and protein metabolism in cows in the last trimester of pregnancy is an unfavorable factor contributing to the development of retained placenta, endometritis and mastitis. The applied scheme of prophylaxis in experimental animals promoted activation of the liver and protein metabolism, as well as a decrease in the incidence of endometritis and mastitis in the postpartum period.

Calculating clinical mastitis frequency in dairy cows: Incidence risk at cow level, incidence rate at cow level, and incidence rate at quarter level

The lack of standardization in reporting clinical mastitis incidence limits the ability to compare results across multiple studies without additional calculations. There is both a biological and statistical rationale for evaluating the at-risk period at the quarter level. This study aimed to: (1) to outline an applied method for calculating clinical mastitis (CM) incidence rate at the quarter level using currently available software; and (2) to present the results of three different measurements: incidence risk at cow level, incidence rate at cow level, and incidence rate at quarter level. In an open population prospective cohort of eight commercial dairy farms monitored from May 15, 2016, to May 31, 2017, all CM cases (n = 7513) were identified by trained on-farm personnel, who collected all milk samples from all quarters with visibly abnormal milk. Microbiological identification was determined by culture and MALDI-TOF. All lactating quarters were at risk for CM. A quarter was at risk for a new CM case if there was at least 14 d between a previously diagnosed case and the current case in the same quarter, or if a different pathogen was isolated in the same quarter within 14 d. A total of 17,513,429 quarters days at risk (QDAR) were estimated. A statistical software macro and Structured Query Language (SQL) were used to bring all data together. The monthly incidence rate at the cow level was 16.6 cases per 10,000 cow-days, the monthly incidence rate at the quarter level was 4.4 cases per 10,000 QDAR and the monthly incidence risk at the cow level was 4.8 cases per 100 cows. Although the evaluation of QDAR requires additional computation when compared to other methods, it might allow for a more precise evaluation of the data and a more accurate evaluation of mastitis incidence. Clearly defining the methods used to report mastitis incidence will improve our ability to discuss and learn about the differences and similarities across studies, regions, and countries.

The spread and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in South African dairy herds - A review.

Staphylococcus aureus is internationally recognised as a principal agent of mastitis and the foremost reason for economic loss in the dairy industry. The limited data available on organism-specific antibiotic resistance surveillance in dairy cattle have stimulated the need for such a review article. The objective of this study was to review relevant literature on antimicrobial resistance of mastitis-causing staphylococci isolated from dairy cows in South Africa compared to other countries. Factors relating to the incidence of mastitis and treatment strategies in terms of the One Health concept and food security were included. The Web of Science (all databases) and relevant websites were used, and articles not written in English were excluded. The incidence of mastitis varied between South Africa and other countries. Antimicrobial resistance patterns caused by S. aureus also varied in regions within Southern Africa and those of other countries although some similarities were shown. Antimicrobial resistance differed between S. aureus bacteria that were maltose positive and negative (an emerging pathogen). The results highlighted the importance of the availability of organism-specific surveillance data of the incidence of mastitis and antibiotic resistance for specific countries and within similar climatic conditions. Accurate knowledge about whether a specific pathogen is resistant to an antibiotic within a certain climate, country, area or farm should reduce the incidence of unnecessary or incorrect treatment with antibiotics. This should enable dairy farmers to deal with these organisms in a more effective manner. Therefore such research should be ongoing.

Engaging with selective dry cow therapy: understanding the barriers and facilitators perceived by Irish farmers

BackgroundSelective dry cow therapy (SDCT) is widely promoted in dairy farming as a method to reduce antimicrobial usage. New legislation introduced by the European Union will restrict and regulate the prophylactic and metaphylactic use of antibiotics from January 2022. Blanket dry cow therapy continues to be a practice engaged in by many farmers in Ireland and for many of these farmers, moving towards SDCT would require a significant infrastructural, behavioural and/or cultural change on their farm. Existing research has reported the important need to understand farmers’ motivations to initiate any substantial behaviour change. However, it is currently unknown what farmers know, think and believe about SDCT in Ireland. The aim of this study was to use qualitative methods to explore what barriers and facilitators farmers perceived to exist with SDCT and explore if they had chosen to implement SDCT after voluntarily participating in a funded dry cow consult with a trained veterinarian, with the objective of maximising the dry period udder health performance and moving safely to SDCT.ResultsIn this study, 19 farmers were contacted, and telephone interviews were conducted regarding farmers’ beliefs about the consequences of SDCT. Audio recordings were professionally transcribed verbatim and analysed qualitatively using an inductive thematic analysis. The analysis identified 6 barriers and 6 facilitators to implementing SDCT. A significant fear of increasing mastitis incidence was evident that caused reluctance towards SDCT and reliance on antibiotics. Mixed perceptions on SDCT, infrastructure limitations, a perceived lack of preventive advice as well as peer influence were presented as barriers to SDCT. Farmers can build confidence when a graded approach to SDCT is implemented, which could help overcome the fear of SDCT and reliance on antibiotics. Regulatory pressure, high standards of farm hygiene and use of targeted veterinary consults were found to facilitate SDCT. Education was suggested to motivate farmers in the future uptake of SDCT. Despite cited negative influences, peer influence can be utilised to encourage the farming community.ConclusionsThis study prioritises areas to facilitate the major behaviour change required as a dairy industry in order to move from blanket dry cow therapy to SDCT.