Introduction

The implementation of control measures for contagious mastitis pathogens has successfully reduced the prevalence of these organisms in U.S. dairy herds. However, dairy producers continue to struggle with the control of environmental pathogens. Serratia spp. are Gram-negative bacteria, similar in structure to Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. The most common mastitis-causing species is Serratia marcescens. However, the treatment and control of these organisms is similar across all species of Serratia.

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Introduction

Commercial J5 bacterins are formulated with a mutant strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O111:B4 (Rc mutant) lacking the “O” antigen capsule of the cell wall but with the core lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) intact. These core antigens are highly conserved among Gram-negative bacteria (Cullor, 1991) and elicit cross-reactive antibodies against a wide variety of Gram-negative bacteria in J5 vaccinated cows (Chaiyotwittayakun et al., 2004). Vaccination with J5 bacterin increases anti-J5 E. coli antibodies in serum and milk as …

Introduction

Although considerable progress has been made in controlling contagious mastitis, intramammary infection continues to be the most frequently occurring and costliest disease of dairy cows. In some countries, Staphylococcus aureus remains a significant cause of mastitis (Unnerstad et al., 2009); in other areas, widespread implementation of effective control measures has significantly reduced its prevalence (Makovec and Ruegg, 2003; Pitkala et al., 2004). Control of mastitis caused byStreptococcus agalactiae and Staph. aureus has resulted in reductions in bulk tank …

Introduction

In developing individual farm mastitis control and treatment strategies, it is often necessary to characterize the types of bacteria that are present on your farm. To answer this question, a microbiological analysis, or milk culture, must …

Introduction

• Mastitis is a complex, multi-factorial disease with numerous contributing factors that are primarily associated with environmental conditions and milking management.
• Historically, increased annual average milk production has

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Introduction

All milking equipment, lines, and utensil surfaces that come into contact with milk, dirt, or manure must be thoroughly cleaned and …

Introduction

The reference guide for mastitis-causing bacteria below was developed to provide a succinct yet comprehensive summary of the major classes of bacteria that cause mastitis in dairy cows as a rapid reference for dairy farmers and bovine practitioners. In addition, the guide denotes the environmental or contagious nature of each pathogen, its source in the cow’s surroundings, mechanisms of spread, methods of control, and treatment strategies.

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Introduction

As with any parameter to be monitored on dairy farms, the analysis of input values …