Isolation of Mycoplasma from Cows' Milk

Four-Laboratory Comparison

Authors

  • H. Hirst Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
  • P. Dinsmore Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
  • D. Hyatt Colorado State Diagnostic Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
  • F. Garry Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20025055

Keywords:

mastitis, Mycoplasma, M. bovis, epidemic, procedures, culture results

Abstract

Mycoplasma species that cause mastitis in dairy cattle are often extremely contagious. In epidemics of mastitis caused by M. bovis, rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential for controlling the spread of this organism from cow to cow. An epidemic may be extremely costly to the producer if appropriate sampling and culture protocols are not promptly implemented. Unfortunately, few procedures for isolation of microorganisms are standardized across veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Mycoplasma culture techniques can vary greatly between laboratories. This study compared Mycoplasma culture results at four different laboratories in order to assess whether sensitivity and specificity were variable between laboratories.

Cover image of the 35th Conference Proceedings: Holstein cows standing in a row at a fence. A small group of cattle are bunched together in a pen. Yellow background.

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Published

2002-09-26

Issue

2002

Section

Research Summaries - Dairy II