THE EFFECT OF DISCONTINUATION OF POSTMILKING TEAT DISINFECTION IN LOWSOMATIC-CELL COUNT HERDS .1. INCIDENCE OF CLINICAL MASTITIS

Results are described of a split-udder trial on the effect of disconti nuation of postmilking teat disinfection on the incidence of clinical mastitis in seven dairy herds with a low bulk milk somatic cell count and a high incidence of clinical mastitis, Overall incidence of clinic al mastitis was non-significantly lower (18%), whereas the incidence o f the most prevalent pathogen associated with clinical mastitis, Esche richia coli, was significantly lower in quarters for which postmilking teat disinfection was discontinued, We concluded that discontinuation of postmilking teat disinfection may decrease the incidence of clinic al Escherichia coli mastitis in herds for which standard mastitis prev ention measures are executed adequately, bulk milk somatic cell count is low, and incidence of clinical mastitis is high. However, because a n increase in intramammary infections with contagious pathogens may oc cur, care is recommended when advising discontinuation of postmilking teat disinfection.