The Effect of a teat sealer on coliform mastitis

Abstract

The practice of disinfecting teat ends after milking has become an important tool in the control of intramammary infection due to Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. but has shown little benefit in controlling mastitis due to coliforms. It has been theorized that since at least part of the coliform infection occurs in the period between milkings, a mechanical teat sealer may assist in preventing this type of infection. The effect of a teat sealer which contained no germicide was studied. The ability of the film to prevent environmental bacterial contamination between milkings was studied by comparing bacterial numbers present after the film was removed with unsealed teats. The effect on growth of bacteria sealed under such a film was studied by dipping over staphylococcus-contaminated teats, removing the dip and comparing the numbers with controls.