Cut the summer mastitis risk

Reducing cattle exposure to flies, and the use of an effective fly control product and long-acting, broad-spectrum dry cow therapy are the route to better summer mastitis control, says Schering-Plough Animal Health.

The company has developed a five-point checklist to cut a disease threat researchers estimate can cost farmers around £270 per cow affected. Summer mastitis affects cows and heifers and normally peaks between July and September each year.

"Bacteria cause summer mastitis," points out livestock veterinary adviser Andrew Montgomery. "The bug A. pyogenes is the most frequent cause and head flies have been shown to transmit the summer mastitis bugs. And it is these flies that are believed to be the major means of disease transmission."

The five-point checklist is as follows:

* If you can, graze cows away from trees and water to limit the fly threat

* Use a proven fly killer. Trials with Coopers Spot On show that it kills flies even on the head, face, rump, belly and legs, within two hours of application

* Use a broad-spectrum dry cow tube such as Cepravin that will cover the whole dry period and deliver 10 weeks protection against A. pyogenes

* Keep teats in good condition. It's a good idea to avoid grazing cattle where thistles, nettles, long grass or biting flies may cause teat damage

* When drying off cows consider applying insecticide at the same time, especially if cows are to be moved away from the buildings and handling equipment