Mastitis

Inflammation of the mammary gland of cattle is defined as a multifactorial disease which from the breeder’s point of view, has several “of the best”.

It is the most frequent health issue causing the biggest economic losses when caring for the cows’ health; also is the most common infectious disease and on top of it, with the biggest proportion of antibiotic consumption. This list by itself gives an idea of the seriousness of the problem; it is a challenge for management, livestock specialists and veterinarians to find the joint solution.

A comprehensive system of solutions of mastitis prepared for a certain farm’s needs should be the result of this effort.

The ClearMilk test has been developed for on-farm microbiological diagnosis of the pathogens of mastitis. The Petri dish is divided into three sectors containing three different agars for growing and diagnostics of bacteria and other agents causing mastitis (see the Pathogen Atlas – in the ClearMilk test section). In the picture above we can see that in each sector of the ClearMilk test, bacteria grow in different colours; see the Pathogen Atlas for more detailed results of various cultivations.

The following pathogens grow in the different sectors of the ClearMilk test: staphylococci, streptococci, gram-negative rods – enterobacteria belong to this group and cause severe forms of mastitis with overall health impairment (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae etc.) These bacterial colonies differ in growth in different sectors, appearance and colour; this enables their differentiation.

Potential verification or determination of the microorganism together with the antibiotic susceptibility test can be performed in our cooperating laboratory.

Our veterinarians and application specialists will explain you, show you and give you a system for classification of the pathogens and will help you with everything necessary for determination of the pathogen and adjustment and prompt initiation of the proper mastitis treatment.