Mastitis Module Risk Assessment Guide by Pathogen. Streptococcus agalactiae

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1 ! Mastitis Module Risk Assessment Guide by Pathogen Risk Factors Risk Information # Informational Statement! Intervention tactic Risk factors on this farm (level of implementation) Farm Feasibility Y,N 1.) Introduction into a susceptible herd # Purchased animal(s) # Shared milking machines at show & fairs Streptococcus agalactiae # % of herds in the northeast may be infected and 8% of heifers may be infected! Bulk tank culture of purchased herd or composite milk sample from individual animals! Newly purchased animals should be segregated and milked last until they can be sampled and cultured negative for Strep ag.! Do not share milking equipment or milk animals from other herds. # Open herds are particularly at risk for purchasing Strep ag.! Perform bulk tank cultures regularly (monthly) 2.) Existing infection in the herd # Control spreading of infection. # Poor milking hygiene (common wash cloth, lack of post milking teat dipping). # Larger herds (>100 milking cows) are at greater risk. # Eliminate existing infections. # Identify infected animals.! Individual cow cultures of all cows! Segregate and milk infected cows last.! Large herds are more likely to have a small hidden subpopulation # Institute milking procedures to prevent new infections.! Single use towels to clean and dry teats.! Post dip with and approved and effective teat dip immediately after the milking unit is removed.! Milkers should wear gloves which are rinsed and sanitized frequently.! Avoid machine stripping! Shut the vacuum off to the milking unit prior to removal. # Eliminate existing infections.! Treat known infections with a β lactam (Penicillin related product according to manufacturers recommendations.! Dry treat with an know effective and approved Dry cow treatment.! Cull chronically infected animals (3 consecutive positive cultures.

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3 Mastitis Module Risk Assessment Guide by Pathogen Risk Factors Risk Information # Informational Statement! Intervention tactic Risk factors on this farm (level of implementation) Farm Feasibility Y,N Staphylococcus aureus 1.) Introduction of an infected animals # Approximately 90% of all herds have at least one infected animal. Staph aureus infected animals may be intermittent shedders! Three composite samples of bulk tank milk or from individual cows will provide more reliable prepurchase screening. # Do not share milking equipment at shows or fairs, etc.! Bring own equipment to milk cows. Do not share with other exhibitors. 2.) Existing herd infection # Contagious mastitis most commonly spread to susceptible animals during milking.! Identify and segregate infected animals (herd survey, culture all individual cows).! Milk last or with a separate milking unit designated for Staph cows Only! Use single service towels to clean and dry teats.! Milkers should were gloves that are rinsed and sanitized frequently! Post dip with an effective teat dip.! Evaluate dipping procedure with towel test. # Eliminate existing infections.! Use an appropriate approved dry cow treatment on all animals.! Cull chronically infected animals. 3.) Use milking machines properly # Improper milking procedures that cause teat end vacuum fluctuations may lead to teat end impacts that can create new infections.! Do not allow uncontrolled air to enter the milking cluster.! Do not machine strip.! Shut the vacuum off to the milking unit before it is detached.! Proper liners should be used to minimize liner squawk.! Any excessive amount of liner squawk should be investigated

4 4.) Improperly functioning milking machine. # Milking system should be operating at manufacturers specifications.! Routine maintenance should be done on a scheduled basis! The milking system should be evaluated according to manufacturers recommendations.! Use only certified equipment technicians for equipment evaluation. 5.) Chapped or rough teat skin # Teat edema, bloody milk and milk leakage at calving of first lactation. 6.) Feeding milk from infected cows to calves # Chapped teat skin can harbor and shed excessive number of bacteria including Staph aureus, other Staph sp. and Streptococcus spp. that can invade the mammary gland. # Winter weather can cause excessive drying and chapping of teats. # Use of harsh teat dips, detergents, or other irritating substances can cause chapping.! Monitor teat end quality using teat end score.! Use teat dip containing emollients or skin conditioners such as glycerin or lanolin that will improve skin condition. # Teat edema can cause increased liner slip during milking, particularly for heifers.! Review transition diet. # Staph aureus can infect the tonsils and other mucus membranes of calves fed milk from infected cows.! Avoid feeding milk from infected cows to calves.! Pasteurize waste milk before feeding to calves.! Prevent cross suckling of calves. 7.) Pastured heifers can become infected from flies feeding on secretions from teat ends. # Control flies in pastures by means of a comprehensive strategic fly control program.! Implement an integrated pest management program.

5 Mastitis Module Risk Assessment Guide by Pathogen Risk Factors Risk Information # Informational statement! Intervention Tactic Risk factors on this farm (level of implementation) Farm Feasibility Y,N 1.) Introduced by newly purchased animal(s) or returning animal(s). Mycoplasma species # Purchased animals are a common source of infection. # Calves and heifers can be a source of infection. # Chronically infected animals may shed organisms intermittently.! Screen new herds/individuals with bulk tank or composite samples.! Culture bulk tank samples several times (3).! Segregate newly purchased animals as a separate group for a period of two weeks if possible.! Monitor bulk tank culture regularly.! Culture purchased or suspect dry cows and heifers as they freshen # Infection can occur while at shows and fairs or at heifer raising facilities.! Segregate and monitor returning animals. 2.) Mycoplasma mastitis exists in the herd. # Mycoplasma are contagious and are generally spread to susceptible animals during milking. # Mycoplasma organisms are shed in very high numbers in acutely infected animals.! Identify and segregate infected animals from susceptible animals. Consider culling as a management option # Level of milking hygiene is critical to preventing new infections! Single use towels to clean and dry teats.! Post dip with an approved and effective teat dip immediately after the milking unit is removed.! Milkers should wear gloves which are rinsed and sanitized frequently. # Mycoplasma can live outside the host on inanimate surfaces for prolonged periods of time. Milkers hands can become contaminated by touching the contaminated surfaces of milking equipment increasing the opportunity to transmit infection.! Any surface in the parlor that can be contaminated with milk from infected cows or contaminated milkers hands should be cleaned and sanitized after each milking.

6 3.) Mycoplasma organisms can be found in normal healthy cattle and can infect a variety of organ systems # Mycoplasma can be found in the mucus membranes of normal healthy cattle (chiefly the upper respiratory and urogenital tracts). # Mycoplasma can cause a variety of disease conditions including pneumonia, vaginitis, and septic arthritis. # Many animals with mycoplasma mastitis have a recent history ( within several months) of respiratory infection. This is particularly true for heifers and calves.! Maintain and review health recording system.! Monitor respiratory and joint disease in all age groups.

7 Mastitis Module Risk Assessment Guide By Pathogen Risk Factors Risk Information # Informational statement! Intervention Tactic Risk factors on this farm (level of implementation) Environmental Pathogens Environmental Streptococci, Coliforms Farm Feasibility Y,N 2.) Wet, dirty cow environment and inadequate ventilation 3.) Milking wet or dirty teats. # Accumulation of manure, septic water, mud in stalls, alley-ways, holding areas and pastures will increase exposure of teats to contamination. # Poorly ventilated barns are more apt to have wet or damp conditions that promote bacterial growth and prevent drying of facilities. This may be a seasonal problem in some herds! Clean alley-ways, holding areas etc. frequently. Do not allow the buildup of manure, mud or old bedding.! Design pasture gates, walkways, feed and water areas to prevent the accumulation of mud.! Exclude animals from muddy, wet areas.! Provide adequate ventilation. # Milking wet or dirty teats will increase the rate of new infections.! Ensure that teats are dry before the milking unit is attached. Use single service towels when necessary.! Predip with an approved dip and wipe dry after 30 seconds of contact time with a single service towel.! Clip or flame excessive hair from udders when needed (3 times/year).

8 4.) Chapped, abraded or injured teats # Chapped skin will harbor a number of pathogens including environmental Streptococci. # Leaking teats are more prone to new infection. This is a major risk factor for Coliform mastitis! Avoid the use of harsh detergents, washes, dips or skin medications.! Use teat dip containing skin conditioners during harsh cold weather.! Monitor teat end using teat end scores. 5.) Dry or postparturient cow. # Environment streptococci and coliform infections are 2 to 12 times more common in the dry or immediate postpartum period. # Dry cows (and bred heifers) are frequently confined to the least adequately maintained facilities on the farm. # This stage of gestation is characterized by a level of immunosuppresion that makes dry cows and those in early lactation more susceptible to infection.! Dry treat all eligible cows at dry off. This should provide protection for the first two weeks of the dry period.! Consider dry cow barrier dip in the last two weeks of dry period.! Maintain clean dry facilities.! Maintain clean, dry, well bedded maternity pens dedicated to that use.! Monitor infection rate at freshening with individual cow somatic cell counts or CMT. 6.) Parity # Infection rate increases with parity! Monitor infection rates by lactation. Cull when indicated.

9 7.) Inadequate levels of Vitamin E, Selenium, energy and protein 8.) Presence of other disease. # Inadequate levels of Vitamin E and/or selenium can have a detrimental effect on immunity. # Inappropriate levels of energy and protein in the diet can lead to metabolic diseases such as ketosis. # This is particularly critical to the dry cow and springing heifer..! Provide adequate amounts of Vitamin E and selenium in the diet.! Monitor body condition of cattle at critical times (dry off, prefresh, first service).! Evaluate transition cow diet with nutritionist. # Ketosis, milk fever, metritis, retained placenta will have a negative effect on immunity creating greater opportunities for new mastitis infections.! Provide adequate nutrition and healthy environment for dry cows and heifers.! Monitor health during the early postpartum period.

10 Mastitis Module Risk Assessment Guide By Pathogen Risk Factors Risk Information # Informational statement! Intervention Tactic Risk factors on this farm (level of implementation) Farm Feasibility Y,N Miscellaneous Pathogens 1.) Wet, dirty muddy environment. Stage of lactation Teat injury Pastured heifers and dry cows Arcanobacter pyogenes # A. pyogenes is present in soil, mud, etc.! Remove manure and other debris from cow areas regularly! Restrict access to wet, muddy areas, especially on pasture # New infections occur most commonly during the dry period.! Provide clean dry facilities and bedding for dry cows and springing heifers. # Teat injuries disrupt the integrity of the teat sphincter.! Disinfect and protect injured teats promptly # Research has shown that flies can spread infection by feeding on teat end secretions.! Provide strategic fly control measures for pastured cattle. Implement an integrated pest management program.

11 Risk Factors Risk Information # Informational statement! Intervention Tactic Risk factors on this farm (level of implementation) Farm Feasibility Y,N Poor treatment techniques. Use of multiple dose, compounded medication Miscellaneous Pathogens Yeasts, Molds and Fungi # Inadequate teat end disinfection and handling of treatment equipment can result in contamination and infection of treated quarters.! Prepare the teat adequately for treatment before infusion of medication.! Implement SOP for treatment administration, including at least the following points: Dip the teat end with teat dip, allow it to remain on teat for 30 seconds. Wipe dry and disinfect with alcohol Let alcohol dry (15 seconds). Infuse the medication using partial insertion of canulae (3-5 mm) Dip the teat. # Bulk mixes of medications are easily contaminated during use.! Avoid the use of home made bulk mixes of medication! Use approved single dose, prepackaged, disposable products.

12 Pseudomonas spp Contaminated water sources. # Risk factors associated with environmental mastitis apply to mastitis caused by Pseudomonas sp. # Contaminated water sources are a prominent risk factor associated with Pseudomonas spp. infections.! Analyze water quality (source). # Water processing and transmission system may be contaminated (water heaters, storage, distribution hoses).! Disinfect or replace water systems components regularly. Dirty, poorly maintained teat dippers. Serratia spp. # Risk factors associated with environmental mastitis apply to mastitis caused by Serratia spp. # Contaminated teat dippers have been reported to be a source of herd infection by Serratia organisms.! Wash and sanitize dippers daily. Prototheca spp Prototheca infections are associated with environmental contamination. # Risk factors associated with environmental mastitis apply to mastitis caused by Prototheca spp. # Prototheca spp. is an algae and is found in wet septic areas, manure, feed and moist decaying organic matter.! Keep cow contact areas clean.! Milk clean dry teats.