Epidemic of Mycoplasma Mastitis in a Colorado Dairy Herd Following Expansion from 350 to 2,500 Milking Cows

Authors

  • H. Hirst Integrated Livestock Management-Animal Health Population Institute, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
  • F. Garry Integrated Livestock Management-Animal Health Population Institute, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
  • J. Wenz Integrated Livestock Management-Animal Health Population Institute, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20035343

Keywords:

epidemic, Mycoplasma mastitis, biosecurity, introduction

Abstract

Over the past two decades, dairies in the Western
United States (US) have been expanding by purchasing cattle from various sources within the country.1 During year 2001, cow numbers in the West increased by 72,000 head, while the dairy cow population in the rest of the country declined by a total of 163,000 head.2 The National Animal health Monitoring System (NAHMS) study conducted in 1996 reported that 44% of operations brought cattle onto their dairies during 1995. Among herds with 200 or more milk cows, 65% of herds brought cattle onto the dairy from an outside source.3 Avoidance of severe losses from introduction and spread of disease requires biosecurity practices at multiple checkpoints, plus a plan for handling problems that occur. The objective of this herd report was to describe an epidemic of Mycoplasma (Myco) mastitis in a recently expanded Colorado dairy herd and to analyze reasons for the outbreak.

Cover image of the 36th Conference Proceedings: Holstein cows standing in a row at a fence. One cow has put her head through the fence and is curiously inspecting a pile of hay. Yellow background.

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Published

2003-09-18

Issue

2003

Section

Posters