Microbiology, MALDI-TOF, Microbiome and more: How to understand and use diagnostic tests to improve udder health

Abstract

Determining an appropriate intervention after intramammary infection depends on an accurate diagnosis, but there are a bewildering variety of tests that can be used to detect mastitis and determine etiology. Traditional microbiological tests rely on phenotypic and/or biochemical methods to identify bacteria but more accurate identification is achieved using newer meth­ods such as Maldi-Tof which often results in a confusing array of unfamiliar bacterial names. Non-culture-based methods such as PCR are increasingly affordable but have both strengths and limitations that need to be acknowledged when making management decisions. Other technologies, such as determina­tion of the milk microbiome have unfamiliar terminology and methods that require explanation before used to make deci­sions about handling mastitis cases. In this presentation the methods and clinical implications of using traditional microbi­ology and farm based or laboratory based molecular methods to diagnose mastitis will be discussed with emphasis on practi­cal decision making.