Case report

Isolation of Serratia liquefaciens from sodium chlorite lactic acid teat dip stored on a dairy farm

Abstract

Two apparently healthy cows on a commercial dairy farm died within 48 hours following intramammary (IMM) infusion of dry-cow treatment at the end of lactation. Teat dip containing sodium chlorite lactic acid had been stored for two years on the farm and was used only to dip teats following IMM infusion with dry-cow treatment. The sodium chlorite lactic acid teat dip, stored in the original container that was visibly soiled externally, was culture-positive for Serratia liquefaciens. This is the first reported isolation of a contaminant from sodium chlorite lactic acid teat dip. Soiled containers of teat dip or those opened and stored for long periods of time should be cultured to monitor contamination of bacteria or preferably discarded.