Peer reviewed - Bovine toxic mastitis: risk factors and control measures

Herd risk factors linked with bovine toxic mastitis include poor house desi gn and inferior management practices, while at the cow level, genetic and p hysical characteristics along with the occurrence of other clinical and sub clinical diseases are considered important. The main aim for preventing tox ic mastitis should be to provide the cow with a clean, dry, comfortable env ironment. Provision of properly designed cow accommodation with frequent re moval of slurry from the cows' immediate environment are fundamental in ach ieving this aim. A well-ventilated house will limit proliferation of the ca usal organisms, while daily scraping down the back of cubicles will help to minimise teat contamination. Cubicles need to be of an appropriate size fo r the type of cow and a 10 per cent cubicle excess should be provided for t he cow group. Strategies to encourage the cow to remain standing after milk ing should be employed. Actions should be taken to minimise the incidence o f lameness, milk fever and dystocia as reductions in concurrent disease pro blems will reduce the occurrence of toxic mastitis within the herd. A check list of target areas requiring scrutiny during on-farm investigations is pr ovided.