Greetings from I & A lab! The topic of this bulletin is mastitis caused
by Coliforms. This bulletin will include some of the clinical symptoms
of the infection as well as, some ideas on ways to prevent future outbreaks.
I hope you find it interesting and informative.
Coliforms
- Mastitis caused by Coliforms is often thought to be a rare occurrence.
One that is isolated to only a few cases. This however is not the case
and the problem is much more widespread then most Dairymen believe. Some
of the signs that an infection may be caused by Coliforms are that the
infection is usually confined to one or two quarters. The involved quarters
will be swollen, edematous and tender. The infection also will occur very
fast. The cow may appear normal at one milking and then be very sick the
next. The milk will appear watery or yellowish and contain flakes and/or
clots. The infection may also seem to pass quickly. A few days later the
cow may seem fine only to have the infection reoccur again a few days
or weeks later. Commonly the Dairyman will test for Staphylococcus and
Streptococcus. Maybe even for Mycoplasma. These test come back negative,
but the cows continue this cycle of rapidly becoming sick and then recovering
a few days later. If this cycle is not broken the infection may become
chronic.
Causes and
Prevention - Well, the good news is that you can stop pulling
your hair out. The answer may be a very common bacteria belonging to the
Coliform group of organism. You have probably heard of E. coli. . This
bacteria normally lives in the intestines of all animals. It even does
many good things like suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria in the
intestine. When this normally occurring bacteria is allowed to spread
unchecked because of dirty conditions in the milking parlor, not washing
the teats well, not drying the udders and teats before milking, teat dipping
before milking, or letting the cow lay down right after milking, it can
turn into a reoccurring problem. The highest risk of new infection is
around calving time. This infection can spread throughout your herd by
the rubber teat cups or by reusing the same wet and dirty towels to dry
the teats. If the dairy uses well water that is another possible source
for the bacteria. Mastitis caused by coliforms can almost always be traced
back to environmental factors. So that means that providing a clean dry
environment for the cows is very important.
If you have any questions
about Coliforms or mastitis, please feel free to call and we will be happy
to assist you as best we can!
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