Update of teat dipping (pre- and post-), backflushing, and dry-cow therapy

Abstract

Postmilking teat dipping is considered to be the single most effective practice available for reducing the spread of contagious mastitis bacteria provided that an effective germicidal product is used. Teat dipping after the last milking of the lactation has been shown to be effective in reducing new Staphylococcus aureus infections, whilst barrier teat dips appear to be effective in reducing new coliform infections. Possible benefits of pre-milking teat dipping for control of environmental mastitis are discussed. Back-flushing systems that are available commercially for flushing disinfectant through the milking unit after each cow appear to reduce the spread of contagious mastitis organisms, but have little or no effect upon environmental pathogens. Dry cow treatment of all cows is recommended; partial insertion of the cannula into the teat canal resulted in higher cure rate and lower new infection rate than did complete insertion.