Reports of large numbers of mastitis cases this year means farmers need to be on the look-out for early signs in cows.
The good grass growth this year has meant an increase in fly numbers, which are the carriers of summer mastitis.
Early signs for the disease are:
Animals away from the main group. Hungry calves. Swollen teats and udders. Animals most at risk are dry cows, but with levels of infection so high this year, cases are occurring in heifers and even the occasional stock bull and steers.
Further cows within two to three months of calving cows will start to dry themselves off by preventing the calf suckling, increasing the risk of mastitis.
Keep a closer eye on cattle grazing next to water and wooded areas.
Basil Lowman from SAC gives some tips for dealing with mastitis.
Teat sealants: these are squeezed into the teat canal – similar to tubes of antibiotics, but longer-lasting and cheaper. It is essential the end of the teat is carefully cleaned and disinfected before the tube is inserted. They are supplied by vets who will explain how to use them.Stockholm tar: an old-fashioned remedy, with the tar forming a physical barrier over the end of the teat. However, it is difficult to apply and to be effective, needs replacing weekly. An alternative is to use polyurethane varnish as a teat dip.Spray: use one of a number of products on the market aimed at deterring or killing flies.Insecticide ear tags: for best effect, they need to be applied in early spring to kill as many flies as possible while numbers are relatively low. Garlic: naturally occurring sulphur compounds in the ingredient seep out through pores and sweat glands, acting as a repellent to flies and other biting insects.
Reports of large numbers of mastitis cases this year means farmers need to be on the look-out for early signs in cows.
The good grass growth this year has meant an increase in fly numbers, which are the carriers of summer mastitis.
Early signs for the disease are:
Animals away from the main group. Hungry calves. Swollen teats and udders. Animals most at risk are dry cows, but with levels of infection so high this year, cases are occurring in heifers and even the occasional stock bull and steers.
Further cows within two to three months of calving cows will start to dry themselves off by preventing the calf suckling, increasing the risk of mastitis.
Keep a closer eye on cattle grazing next to water and wooded areas.
Basil Lowman from SAC gives some tips for dealing with mastitis.
Teat sealants: these are squeezed into the teat canal – similar to tubes of antibiotics, but longer-lasting and cheaper. It is essential the end of the teat is carefully cleaned and disinfected before the tube is inserted. They are supplied by vets who will explain how to use them.Stockholm tar: an old-fashioned remedy, with the tar forming a physical barrier over the end of the teat. However, it is difficult to apply and to be effective, needs replacing weekly. An alternative is to use polyurethane varnish as a teat dip.Spray: use one of a number of products on the market aimed at deterring or killing flies.Insecticide ear tags: for best effect, they need to be applied in early spring to kill as many flies as possible while numbers are relatively low. Garlic: naturally occurring sulphur compounds in the ingredient seep out through pores and sweat glands, acting as a repellent to flies and other biting insects. 
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: