Laboratory and field control of clinical mastitis in dairy cows around Bulawayo

The organisms responsible for clinical mastitis in dairly herds around Bulawayo were identified and their antibiotic sensitivity was determined. Streptococci, staphylococci and coliforms were responsible for 37%, 28% and 29,5% of cases respectively. Antibiotic resistance increased over the 3 year period. The high incidence of coliform mastitis is discussed, as is the effect of dry cow therapy on peri-natal mastitis and the nature of the scheme of control. The laboratory is considered an essential adjunct to other control methods.