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Mycoplasmal mastitis in a dairy herd.
M B Brown1, J K Shearer, F Elvinger
1Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0633.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Effective Mycoplasma bovis control in large dairy herds involves isolating infected cows. Segregation significantly reduced Mycoplasma detection in bulk milk, demonstrating herd health management success.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Dairy Herd Management
Background:
- Mycoplasma bovis outbreaks pose significant challenges to dairy herd health and productivity.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing Mycoplasma infections in large cattle populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of segregation as a control strategy for Mycoplasma bovis in a large commercial dairy herd.
- To assess the impact of isolating infected cows on overall herd Mycoplasma status and milk quality.
Main Methods:
- Initial screening of bulk tank and milking string samples identified Mycoplasma-positive cows.
- Infected cows were segregated into a dedicated subherd, milked separately.
- Monthly monitoring of the segregated subherd and routine testing of the main herd's bulk milk.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma bovis was initially detected in 5.7% of cows; segregation prevented further spread to the main herd.
- Bulk tank milk samples from the main herd remained culture-negative post-segregation.
- Within the segregated subherd, culling due to mastitis, low production, or other reasons was substantial (52.4%).
Conclusions:
- Segregation of Mycoplasma-positive cows is an effective method for controlling Mycoplasma bovis spread in large dairy operations.
- While segregation contains the infection, significant culling within the infected subherd highlights the disease's impact on individual animals.