Case report

Herd investigation into the role of Pasteurella multocida in an outbreak of mastitis

Authors

  • Michael J. Maroney Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706
  • Pamela L. Ruegg Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol37no2p108-112

Keywords:

bovine mastitis, case reports, clinical aspects, cows, diagnosis, disease control, disease transmission, mastitis, milk, milk hygiene, milking, outbreaks, somatic cell count

Abstract

An epizootic of clinical mastitis was investigated on a dairy farm consisting of 225 cows in Wisconsin, Madison, USA (September 2001). The authors were called to the farm because of a rising bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC) and an increased number of clinical mastitis cases refractory to treatment. The BTSCC had peaked at 974?000 in the month preceding the visit. During an initial herd visit, the investigators were able to obtain a herd history, had inspected the facilities, and observed the milking procedure. Management deficiencies were identified which could be contributing to the herd outbreak. Composite culturing of cows experiencing clinical mastitis indicated that Pasteurella multocida was present in 11 of 23 samples. Environmental sampling was unsuccessful in identifying a source for the outbreak. Recommendations for controlling mastitis were adopted and were found to be successful in reducing the spread of mastitis and lowering the BTSCC.

Cover image of Volume 37, No.2 of the Bovine Practitioner: a herd of shorthorn cattle grazing on a field in autumn

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Published

2003-06-01

How to Cite

Maroney, M. J., & Ruegg, P. L. (2003). Case report: Herd investigation into the role of Pasteurella multocida in an outbreak of mastitis. The Bovine Practitioner, 37(2), 108–112. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol37no2p108-112

Issue

Vol. 37, No. 2 (2003 June)

Section

Articles