Mastitis Management and Prevention

In this presentation, strategies for controlling and managing mastitis are discussed.

1. Mastitis Management and Prevention Jeffrey Bewley, PhD, PAS

2. What Does the Inside of an Udder Look Like?

3. General Mammary Structure

4. Individual quarters

5. Streak canal & keratin lining

6. Streak Canal Purdue University Milking for Quality

7. What is Mastitis? Inflammation of the mammary gland caused by: Microorganisms (primarily bacteria) Trauma or injury to the udder Chemical irritation Most costly disease in the dairy industry

8. Mastitis

9. Infection Process

10. Where do these organisms come from ?

11. What are Somatic Cells? Most are white blood cells that prevent and overcome infections Measures the level of udder stress/damage/irritation Under 200,000 /ml uninfected Over 200,000 /ml infected Easy way to assess the mastitis level in a herd Excellent mastitis management tool Typical cells using standard staining White blood cells and Strep from mastitis

12. CMT Cowside Cheap Easy Simple Detects relative cell content Does NOT give SCC

13. Other Tests

14. Clinical versus Subclinical Clinical Mastitis Visible signs of disease Flakes or clots in milk Swelling of quarter Fever Loss of appetite Depression Death Crist et al., 1997, Mastitis and its Control, University of Kentucky ASC-140

15. Clinical versus Subclinical Subclinical Mastitis No visible signs of disease Elevated Somatic Cell Count (SCC) Greatest financial loss Strep. Agalactiae Staph. aureus Crist et al., 1997, Mastitis and its Control, University of Kentucky ASC-140

16. Mastitis in a Herd Clinical Subclinical 1 clinical case =15-40 subclinical cases

17. Costs of Mastitis Milk production losses Drugs Discarded milk Veterinary services Bonuses Labor Culling Other diseases

18. Production Losses by SCC Score Lactation Average SCC Score Lactation Average SCC (cells/ml) Lactation 1 Lactation 2 or greater 12,500 -- -- 1 25,000 -- -- 2 50,000 -- -- 3 100,000 200 400 4 200,000 400 800 5 400,000 600 1200 6 800,000 800 1600 7 1,600,000 1000 2000 *Comparison are with lactation yields at SCC score of 2. Source: Current Concepts of Bovine Mastitis, NMC, 1987

19. http://www2.ca.uky.edu/afsdairy/MilkQualityCalculator

20. Mastitis Cost Breakdown Cost type First parity Second and later parities Lost milk $ 131.41 $ 133.46 Vet and drug $ 76.62 $ 76.62 Discarded milk $ 64.38 $ 81.00 Labor $ 12.22 $ 12.22 Death $ 11.37 $ 12.19 Culling $ 9.49 $ 17.92 Days open $ 1.21 $ 3.47 Total $ 306.95 $340.14 f Liang and Bewley, 2017

21. Contagious versus Environmental Contagious Spreads between cows or quarters Transmitted in the parlor during milking Usually chronic, subclinical mastitis Primary Causative Agents Strep. agalactiae Staph. aureus Mysoplasma bovis Strep. Dysagalactiae

22. Contagious versus Environmental Environmental Obtained through the environment Primary Causative Agents E. coli Klebsiella pneumoniae Strep. Uberis Strep. Dysgalactiae

23. Environmental Mastitis

24. Indicators of an Environmental Mastitis Problem Incidence increases when cows are dirtier Often short duration infections, may not show up on DHIA Can have severe symptoms Infections more likely to occur around drying off and calving

25. Indicators of an Environmental Mastitis Problem More infections during hot/humid weather Often only a few cows infected at one time Poor teat end condition gives bacteria easier access to teat end

26. Hygiene Scoring Goal <10% of cows score 3 or 4

27. Environmental Management Cows must be Clean Dry Comfortable Well nourished Minimizes bacterial load

28. Steps for Controlling Environmental Mastitis Limit water use in parlor Avoid overmilking to keep teat ends healthy Remove hair from udder Use E-coli vaccines (i.e. J5, J-VAC, ENDOVAC- Bovi ) Consider using sand

29. Flaming udders promotes udder cleanliness and health

30. Swimming is NOT Good for Their Health

31. Avoid Muddy Lots

32. Is This Cow Exposed to Bacteria?

33. Scrape Alleys Frequently

34. Don’t Forget Pastures

35. Rotate Shaded Areas

36. Geotextile fabric reduces mud!

37. Water in the Parlor is Bad

38. Contagious Mastitis

39. YouTube: Milking Procedures Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBgon39usbQ

40. Focus on Teat Ends

41. Monitor Milk Filters

42. Milk Problem Cows Last Based on high SCC or clinical mastitis Dumping high SCC cows may lower bulk tank SCC Reduces chances of antibiotics residues Reduces spread of mastitis between cows

43. Wearing Gloves Reduces Bacteria Spread

44. Teat Dips Pre- and post-milking are essential Prevent new intramammary infections Reduce colonization of mastitis-causing bacteria on teats Minimize bacteria penetration into teat canals Reduce mastitis incidence by 50 to 95% Nickerson, Choosing the Best Teat Dip for Mastitis Control and Milk Quality

45. Spraying Versus Dipping Spraying may also use 2X as much dip Sprayed Teat Dipped Teat

46. Pre and Post Nickerson, Choosing the Best Teat Dip for Mastitis Control and Milk Quality

47. Pre-Dipping Considerations More effective with less manure and dirt on teats Application method is important (> ¾ of teat) Must allow recommended contact time (15 to 30 seconds) Dry teats thoroughly to avoid residues Keeping cows clean for 1-2 hours after milking maximizes pre-dip effectiveness Nickerson, Choosing the Best Teat Dip for Mastitis Control and Milk Quality

48. Post-Dipping Considerations Post-dip ASAP after milkers are removed Application method is important (> ¾ of teat) Most products will reduce new infection rates Use non-return cups and keep them clean Follow label Nickerson, Choosing the Best Teat Dip for Mastitis Control and Milk Quality

49. Which Teat Dip is Best? Many teat dips are effective Make sure it meets FDA regulations Proven to be effective Does not harm teat skin or promote new infections National Mastitis Council publishes a guideline every 2 years summarizing effectiveness of teat dips Nickerson, Choosing the Best Teat Dip for Mastitis Control and Milk Quality

50. Teat Dip Problems May cause irritation, chapping, lesions, drying, or caustic reactions Caused by: Chemical composition of germicide pH (too low or too high) Improper storage Manufacturing errors Improper dilution Incompatible water Contamination may actually cause mastitis Nickerson, Choosing the Best Teat Dip for Mastitis Control and Milk Quality

51. Selection of Teat Dip Dips are most often selected on price alone Other factors influencing choice: High pressure sales tactics Magazine testimonials Industry-sponsored meetings Cost should examined, but shouldn't be the sole determining factor The teat dip you use should match the facilities, environmental factors and mastitis pathogens present on the dairy

52. Staphylococcus aureus Vaccines Brand Names: Somato -Staph and Lysigin Some chance of effectiveness with young heifers (6 months) 6 month boosters Cure rate poor in chronically infected cows Limited ability to prevent new infections Most veterinarians in this state will not recommend these vaccines Vaccine alone will not solve the problem

53. Coliform Vaccines Brand Names: J-5 Bacterin and Mastiguard (identical), JVAC, Endovac-Bovi Standard practice in many dairy farms Efficacy demonstrated in research and commercial settings Do not affect the rate of infections Reduce bacterial counts Fewer, shorter, and less severe clinical symptoms Provide the cow with better defense against bacteria

54. Coliform Vaccines Generally economical Improved production Less culling Fewer deaths 5 to 1 benefit to cost ratio

55. Nutrition and Immunity Optimize dry matter intake and water consumption Ensure cows receive adequate minerals and vitamins Vitamin E Selenium Copper Vitamin E These tools can enhance immune response But, they do not replace good management (clean cows and good milking procedures)

56. Dry Cows Treat every quarter of every cow at dry-off Highest chance of treating infected quarters Consider teat sealant Maintain clean environment Maintain adequate nutrition Ensure adequate mineral/vitamin nutrition Minimize transition stress

57. Orbeseal

58. If You Don’t Culture…… You Don’t Know

59. Who Needs to Be Cultured? New clinical cases (before treating) Fresh cows High SCC cows Positive CMT cows

60. Culturing Helps Answer Which bacteria are the problems? How prevalent are these bacteria? Where should we focus prevention? Which cows should be culled? What is the best treatment?

61. Necessary Supplies Sterile glass or single-use, disposable plastic vials with tight-fitting push-on or screw caps Plastic sample bags are not acceptable Nitrile or latex gloves should be worn Alcohol soaked cotton balls or gauze pads Small cooler or ice chest

62. Milk Sample Collection Before the cow is treated Immediately before milking Minimize contamination Follow proper collection procedures

63. Step 1 Remove ( forestrip ) 3 or 4 streams of milk from the quarter being sampled to minimize chances of sample contamination from bacteria in the teat end

64. Step 2 Brush dirt, debris, or bedding particles off Predip with an effective teat dip (for example, 0.5% iodine or 4% hypochlorite) Leave the predip on the teat for at least 20-30 seconds

65. Step 3 Dry each teat thoroughly and remove the predip using a single, dry paper or cloth towel per cow Pay particular emphasis to the teat end

66. Step 4 Double-check to ensure that the teats and udder are clean and dry

67. Step 5 Scrub the teat end with a cotton or cloth gauze pad moistened (but not dripping wet) with 70 - 80% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol Use a separate swab for each teat being sampled, even within the same cow Continue to clean the teat end until the swab is completely clean and white Clean the teats on the far side of the udder first and followed by the teats on the near side of the udder

68. Step 6 Open the collection vial immediately before taking sample Do not let the teat end touch the container or let skin debris or dirt enter the container Do not put the cap on the floor Keep the cap upside down and do not touch the inside of the cap so that no debris contaminates the inside of the cap Hold the collection vial at a 45° angle to keep debris (hair, manure, dirt) from accidently falling into the collection vial The teat should not ever touch the collection vial or cap Start with the teats on the near side of the udder followed by the teats on the far side of the udder

69. Step 7 You only need to collect 3 to 5 ml of milk (a few streams) Do not fill the collection vial Immediately place cap on container and seal so it is air tight

70. Step 8 Label the sample vials using a waterproof marker Be sure to identify both the cow and quarter Designate each quarter sampled as RF, RB, LF, or LB

71. Step 9 Immediately place collection vial on ice Keep refrigerated or on ice until delivered to the lab When samples cannot be delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours, they should be frozen

72. Common Problems Udders and teats not cleaned properly Samples taken from cows on antibiotic therapy Identification numbers on the containers are not legible or have been wiped off Number orientation (e.g. 18 or 81) Samples not transported to the laboratory within 24 hours Samples not chilled during transport Containers broken or leaking during transport

73. After Culture If you don’t use the results, it was a waste of time! Make individual treat/cull decisions Separate cows with contagious mastitis Evaluate product choices Antibiotic treatment Dry cow treatment Teat dip Vaccines Determine best preventative management strategies

74. But, the results say “No Growth” Doesn’t mean the lab made a mistake 1/3 to 1/2 of cultures will come back as “no growth” Could be improper collection Periodic shedding of bacteria Cow has handled infection already

75. Strep agalactiae Source: University of Minnesota SCC Diagnostics Tool Box

76. Strep agalactiae Only 10-15% show clinical signs Decreased milk production and high somatic cell counts In small herds, even one cow infected with Strep. ag can raise the bulk tank cell count Purchased animals are frequently the source Treat all cows that culture positive for Strep. ag at the same time in all four quarters Penicillin is usually effective Milk all infected cows last until subsequent cultures are negative Cull the cows that do not respond to therapy

77. Staph aureus Source: University of Minnesota SCC Diagnostics Tool Box

78. Staph aureus Very chronic, subclinical infection Can damage tissue producing areas of walled off infections that do not respond to antibiotic therapy High SCC and recurrent clinical mastitis New infections in young animals may respond to antibiotic therapy Low chance of response to antibiotics during lactation Somewhat higher during dry period Milk known Staph aureus cows last If it is economically feasible, cull chronically infected cows

79. Mycoplasma Source: University of Minnesota SCC Diagnostics Tool Box

80. Mycoplasma Tend to shed high numbers of organisms at calving time Often subclinical, may not have high SCC Does not respond to antibiotic therapy Milk may vary from thick appearing milk to a watery, sandy consistency Cull all cows that are known to be Mycoplasma positive When buying animals, multiple bulk tank cultures from the herd of origin are recommended Do not feed waste milk to calves Practice good fly control on the dairy and heifer grower facilities

81. Non- ag Streps Source: University of Minnesota SCC Diagnostics Tool Box

82. Non- ag Streps Streptococcus and Enterococcus species (non-agalactiae streps ) include Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus dysgalactiae Frequently occur during the dry period especially during the first 2 weeks following dry off and during the first 2-3 weeks prior to calving These bacteria may cause Clinical mastitis with abnormal milk Swelling of the gland Fever Subclinical mastitis with no apparent signs High SCC Most infections eliminated by the cow's immune system or by antibiotic therapy Some environmental strep. infections (18%) will become chronic and poorly responsive to treatment

83. Coliforms Source: University of Minnesota SCC Diagnostics Tool Box

84. Escherichia coli E. coli is commonly found in bedding, manure, water, and soil Can cause life-threatening illness Most E. coli infections are of short duration Some chronic 10% of cows may have a sudden onset of fever, markedly decreased milk production, loss of appetite and dehydration Often these cows will go down and be unable to rise Milk may have large clots or be watery or bloody

85. Escherichia coli Clinical signs are due to toxins produced and released by the bacteria Supportive therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs and fluids may be required for these cases Antibiotic therapy is often of little benefit Most often the cow's immune system will effectively kill the bacteria Immunization with J5 vaccine can reduce the incidence and severity of clinical cases

86. Klebsiella Commonly found in organic bedding, manure, and soil Associated with the use of green sawdust or recycled manure bedding Rates of new infections are higher in the summer Very difficult to treat Infected animals frequently have to be culled May have a sudden onset of fever, markedly decreased milk production, loss of appetite and dehydration Often these cows will go down and be unable to rise Milk from the affected quarter may have large clots or be watery or bloody

87. Klebsiella Clinical signs are due to toxins produced and released by the bacteria Supportive therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs and fluids may be required for these cases Antibiotic therapy is often of little benefit Most often the cow's immune system will effectively kill the bacteria Immunization with J5 vaccine can reduce the incidence and severity of clinical cases

88. Enterobacter and Citrobacter Found in bedding, manure and soil May cause a life threatening acute mastitis. Cows may have a sudden onset of fever, markedly decreased milk production, loss of appetite and dehydration Often these cows will go down and be unable to rise Milk from the affected quarter may have large clots or be watery or bloody Supportive therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs and fluids may be required for these cases Antibiotic therapy is often of little benefit Most often the cow's immune system will effectively kill the bacteria Immunization with J5 vaccine can reduce the incidence and severity of clinical cases

89. Staph species Source: University of Minnesota SCC Diagnostics Tool Box

90. Coagulase -negative Staphylococcus species (Staph species) Can be normal inhabitants of bovine skin Can be found in the environment in bedding and manure One of the most common organisms cultured from dairy cows Usually subclinical mastitis If a herd is experiencing a high incidence of Staph species infections, post milking teat dip products and their application should be re-evaluated Staph species can be quite resistant to antibiotic therapy Most infections will resolve without treatment, given enough time Persistent infection will likely clear during the dry period

91. Pseudomonas species Commonly found in water (ponds, troughs, wells, and wash hoses), contaminated teat dips Poor intramammary treatment administration and contaminated multidose bottles of medications can be sources Usually chronic infections Respond poorly to antibiotic therapy Clinical outbreaks can occur with swelling of the udder, high fevers, and abnormal milk If clinical outbreaks occur, water supplies on the dairy should be cultured Avoid access to ponds, low wet areas, and standing water

92. Serratia species Commonly found in soil and water Generally a contaminant in the milk sample However, Serratia species may cause clinical mastitis Does not respond well to lactating cow antibiotic treatment If Serratia species are isolated along with other more common mastitis causing agents it may be a contaminant If it is the only agent isolated, it is probably the responsible agent

93. Yeast May be found in contaminated multi-dose antibiotic or other medication bottles and contaminated syringes Spread by contaminated intramammary infusions where aseptic technique has not been followed Most cases cure themselves Yeast mastitis is not responsive to standard anti-microbial therapy Care during when inserting instrument or antibiotic into the udder Be sure to disinfect scrub teat ends with alcohol Use single use treatment tubes only Avoid treatment with multi-dose bottles of medication

94. Prototheca species Prototheca species are algae Isolated from plants, bedding material, soil, mud, ponds and standing water, manure, and water troughs May cause acute or chronic mastitis. A watery mammary secretion with flakes and clots Unresponsive to intramammary or systemic antibiotics Limit access to ponds, mud, and other areas with standing water Milk cows infected with Prototheca spp. last, or with a separate unit Remove infected cows from the herd

95. Corynebacterium ( Arcanobacterium pyogenes ) Environmental mastitis (wounds, abscesses, contaminated bedding material and damaged teat ends) Often called “summer mastitis,” more common when humid Some cows spontaneously cure Does not respond to therapy Frequently spread by flies or by direct teat end contact with a contaminated surface Once an infection is established, the prognosis is poor and loss of the quarter is expected Severe clinical mastitis caused by A. pyogenes is characterized by a thick, yellow, foul smelling discharge Stalls should be comfortable and overcrowding should be avoided to minimize teat injuries Establish an effective fly control program

96. Considerations for Treating Mastitis

97. Winning the Fight Against Mastitis, 2000

98. Goals of Antimicrobial Therapy Winning the Fight Against Mastitis, 2000

99. Spontaneous Recovery Sometimes, cows can recover spontaneously without antibiotics Rate varies by pathogen More likely in mild or recently acquired infections Cow’s immune system beats the infection Enhanced by vaccinations, nutrition, and other efforts to minimize stress

100. To Treat Or Not to Treat Depends on type of pathogen Cure rates for yeasts, pseudomonas, mycoplasma , protoeca , etc. are almost zero Chronic Staph aureus not cost effective because of low cure rates and return to subclinical state New cases of Staph aureus particularly in early lactation or in younger cows may merit treatment Ruegg, 2009

101. To Treat Or Not to Treat Depends on type of pathogen Mild or moderate coliform or Klebsiella mastitis questionable because of spontaneous cure rate and low antibiotic effectiveness Strep ag . most likely to respond to treatment, but not prevalent any more Environmental streps may respond to treatment Ruegg, 2009

102. Cure rates for Existing Infections-Antibiotic Therapy Species Cure Rate Streptococcus agalactiae 90-95% Environmental Streptococci (i.e. Strep uberis and Strep dysgalactiae ) 40-50% Staph aureus, chronic cases 20 -30% Staph species 50 to 60% Coliforms 0 to 10% Mycoplasma , yeasts, Nocardia 0% Winning the Fight Against Mastitis, 2000

103. Ruegg Treatment Flowchart

104. Reasons for Treatment Failures Winning the Fight Against Mastitis, 2000

105. What about Homeopathic Treatments? Be skeptical May hold promise in the future Generally, reported to improve immune status Method of action sometimes questionable Little to no conclusive data at this point Be sure they meet federal regulations ( i.e residues) Insist on research evidence of efficacy How do they perform compared to no treatment (spontaneous cures) or antibiotics

106. The Milking Machine Can Increase the Risk of Mastitis By: Spreading pathogenic bacteria between cows or quarters. 2. Damaging the teat end - High vacuum - Over milking - Inadequate pulsation caused by - Pulsator malfunction - Short liners not closing under the teat Impacts against teat ends - Liner slips - Air entering claw

107. Teat-end Condition Scoring N (no ring) Teat end is smooth with a small, even opening Typical for teats soon after calving S (Smooth or Slightly rough ring) A raised ring encircles the opening The surface of the ring is smooth or it may feel slightly rough but no old keratin evident R (Rough ring) Raised, roughened ring with isolated mounds of old keratin extending 1-3 mm from opening VR (Very rough ring) Raised ring with rough mounds of old keratin extending 4 mm or more from opening Rim of ring is rough and cracked, often giving the teat-end a “flowered” appearance Mein et al., 2001

108. Causes of Hyperkeratosis (teat end hardening) Milking vacuum too high Milking of the cow takes too long Overmilking when the quarter is empty Incorrect milk/rest phase (pulsator setting) The liner not fitting the teats Hulsen and Lam, 2008

109. Equipment Daily Checklist Develop list with installer Rubber goods Leaks in vacuum or milk lines Cracks or cloudiness in milk hoses Vacuum pump oiler and other items specific to your milking system Inflations not twisted Dual pulsation hoses not reversed DPC 85 The Dairy Practices Council

110. Vacuum Settings Equipment manufacturer should know best settings for your system Vacuum 10.5 to 12.5 inches (35 to 42 kPa) in the claw Best setting will depend on inflations and equipment designs Know what your normal line vacuum setting is and check it several times during milking DPC 85 The Dairy Practices Council

111. Inflations (Liners) Need to be changed on schedule As specified by supplier Proper tension for optimal milking speed If they are out of round it is past time to change If they are rough inside they harbor bacteria DPC 85 The Dairy Practices Council

112. Pulsation settings 50% to 70% milk phase 50% only on single pulsation systems Normally 45 to 60 pulsations per minute 60:40 means that 60% of the time the inflation is opening or open (milk phase) and 40% of the time it is closing or closed (rest phase) DPC 85 The Dairy Practices Council

113. February 2006 DPC 85 The Dairy Practices Council 113 Keys to Watch Vacuum Inflations Pulsation

114. February 2006 DPC 85 The Dairy Practices Council Pulsation settings 50% to 70% milk phase 50% only on single pulsation systems Normally 45 to 60 pulsations per minute 60:40 means that 60% of the time the inflation is opening or open (milk phase) and 40% of the time it is closing or closed (rest phase)

115. Milking Phase Higher pressure in teat Teat end is open Low pressure inside milk liner Normal Milking

116. Massage Phase Low pressure in teat Teat end is closed High pressure between shell and liner Normal Milking

117. Liner Slips on other teat High pressure inside teat Teat end is still open Higher pressure inside milk liners when air gets into system Liner Slip

118. Questions Jeffrey Bewley, PhD, PAS [email protected] [email protected]