Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Bovine Mammary Gland Biopsy Techniques
Published on: December 23, 2018
Subclinical mastitis and associated risk factors on dairy farms in New South Wales
K Plozza1, J J Lievaart, G Potts
1Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.
Objective:
To determine the current prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and associated risk factors on dairy farms in New South Wales.
Methodology:
A survey was sent to 382 dairy farmers to acquire information on the relevant risk factors associated with SCM.
Results:
The average herd prevalence of SCM among the 189 respondents (response rate 49.5%) was 29%. Farmers who had herds with a low prevalence (<20% cows with individual somatic cell count (ISCC) >2 × 10⁵ cells/mL) more frequently wore gloves during milking (26% vs 62%), used individual paper towels for udder preparation (16% vs 62%), fed cows directly after milking (47% vs 87%) and more frequently treated cows with high ISCC (69% vs 80%) than farmers who had herds with a high prevalence of SCM (>30% cows with ISCC >2 × 10⁵ cells/mL). The latter more often used selective dry cow therapy (52% vs 24%), compared with low prevalence herds.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of SCM in this cross-sectional study is comparable or lower than reported in other studies from North America and the European Union. The outcome provides a benchmark for the current focus of the NSW dairy industry on the management practices associated with a low prevalence of SCM, such as wearing gloves, using paper towels and feeding cows directly after milking.
More Related Videos
08:51Intraductal Injection of LPS as a Mouse Model of Mastitis: Signaling Visualized via an NF-κB Reporter Transgenic
Published on: September 4, 2012
13:00Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Published on: July 31, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...