Changes

When investigating a herd with a high Bactoscan problem, the following areas should form the basis of the investigation.

When investigating a herd with a high Bactoscan problem, the following areas should form the basis of the investigation.

#Record analysis<br>All types of mastitis investigation must begin with an analysis of any available records. For Bactoscan investigations, patterns may be seen when high levels tend to occur with levels usually reported weekly from the dairy to the farmer and may be available online. If the Bactoscan has large fluctuations, this may be consistent with a mastitis problem with peeks occurring due to flares up of subclinical infections or clinical cases not being detected and entering the bulk milk tank. Seasonal trends may suggest an environmental problem. Alternatively a relatively recent but very large and sustained increase should ring alarm bells that there is a problem with the cooling system necessitating immediate action. Failure in the wash up routine may create a similar pattern or may be a slower increase depending on the specific problem.

#Record analysis<br>All types of mastitis investigation must begin with an analysis of any available records. For Bactoscan investigations, patterns may be seen when high levels tend to occur with levels usually reported weekly from the dairy to the farmer and may be available online. If the Bactoscan has large fluctuations, this may be consistent with a mastitis problem with peeks occurring due to flares up of subclinical infections or clinical cases not being detected and entering the bulk milk tank. Seasonal trends may suggest an environmental problem. Alternatively a relatively recent but very large and sustained increase should ring alarm bells that there is a problem with the cooling system necessitating immediate action. Failure in the wash up routine may create a similar pattern or may be a slower increase depending on the specific problem.<br><br>

 

#Environment<br>If cow cleanliness is poor, then this can be a reason for raised bulk milk Bactoscan level. Methods to objectify the level of cleanliness have been described and form the basis of a useful tool to use on farm. This tends to be a problem seen during the housing period, but not always and farms practicing seasonal [[Pre-Milking Teat Disinfection|pre-milking teat disinfection]] may be caught out by poor weather or a badly poached field.<br><br>

#Environment<br>If cow cleanliness is poor, then this can be a reason for raised bulk milk Bactoscan level. Methods to objectify the level of cleanliness have been described and form the basis of a useful tool to use on farm. This tends to be a problem seen during the housing period, but not always and farms practicing seasonal [[Pre-Milking Teat Disinfection|pre-milking teat disinfection]] may be caught out by poor weather or a badly poached field.

#Parlour routine<br>Monitoring procedures in the parlour is essential as part of any Bactoscan investigation. Occasionally, very dirty cows may have their udders and teats washed and clusters applied before being wiped dry. This effectively creates a suspension of bacteria on the teat that can actually make the Bactoscan worse! A herd's [[Pre-Milking Teat Disinfection|pre-milking teat disinfecting]] protocol should also be assessed. Possible problems include the disinfectant not being left on long enough (usually there is a 30 second recommended contact time), the teat not being effectively wiped dry or ineffective products being used. Some farms may only use disinfection during the housing period when teat contamination risk is highest, which can still be effective for controlling the Bactoscan. The extent of gross contamination in milk can be visibly assessed by looking at the milk sock after milking.<br><br>

 

#[[Milking Parlour#Parlour_washing|Wash up routine]]<br>The wash up routine should be investigated. Using cold water for the first rinse can congeal butterfat within the pipes which favours bacterial colonisation and growth and thus may raise the Bactoscan. For circulation washing, which is the common method used in the UK, the temperature of the water at the end of the wash cycle should not fall below 40°C which can be associated with the same problem. This can be measured with a thermometer as the water leaves the system as part of the investigation. Adequate boiler capacity is needed to supply sufficient hot water for the cycle which should also be checked. When the hot wash is occurring it should not be possible to hold onto the stainless steel pipes in the parlour. If this is possible, it indicates too cool a water temperature.<br><br>

#Parlour routine<br>Monitoring procedures in the parlour is essential as part of any Bactoscan investigation. Occasionally, very dirty cows may have their udders and teats washed and clusters applied before being wiped dry. This effectively creates a suspension of bacteria on the teat that can actually make the Bactoscan worse! A herd's [[Pre-Milking Teat Disinfection|pre-milking teat disinfecting]] protocol should also be assessed. Possible problems include the disinfectant not being left on long enough (usually there is a 30 second recommended contact time), the teat not being effectively wiped dry or ineffective products being used. Some farms may only use disinfection during the housing period when teat contamination risk is highest, which can still be effective for controlling the Bactoscan. The extent of gross contamination in milk can be visibly assessed by looking at the milk sock after milking.

 

#[[Milking Parlour#Parlour_washing|Wash up routine]]<br>The wash up routine should be investigated. Using cold water for the first rinse can congeal butterfat within the pipes which favours bacterial colonisation and growth and thus may raise the Bactoscan. For circulation washing, which is the common method used in the UK, the temperature of the water at the end of the wash cycle should not fall below 40°C which can be associated with the same problem. This can be measured with a thermometer as the water leaves the system as part of the investigation. Adequate boiler capacity is needed to supply sufficient hot water for the cycle which should also be checked. When the hot wash is occurring it should not be possible to hold onto the stainless steel pipes in the parlour. If this is possible, it indicates too cool a water temperature.

 

#[[Bulk Milk Bacteriology|Bulk Milk Bacteriology]]<br>Bulk milk bacteriology can be a very useful tool for Bactoscan investigations for distinguishing the causes. However, its limitations must be considered and it should not be a substitute for a more thorough investigation.

#[[Bulk Milk Bacteriology|Bulk Milk Bacteriology]]<br>Bulk milk bacteriology can be a very useful tool for Bactoscan investigations for distinguishing the causes. However, its limitations must be considered and it should not be a substitute for a more thorough investigation.