Teat apex microflora: influence of washing and dipping procedures

Effects of teat washing and dipping were determined on the bacterial populations occurring naturally at the teat apex. Teat washing, using an iodine solution, was ineffective unless that procedure was done carefully and vigorously. Teat dipping using an iodophor solution was able to significantly decrease the staphylococcal population and sustain this lower population for a period up to six weeks.