Introduction
The five point plan was initially developed in the 1960’s by the National Institute for Research into Dairying (NIRD). The aim was to reduce the level of clinical and subclinical mastitis in the UK national dairy herd primarily through the control of contagious pathogens. Its implementation was successful in both regards, particularly in reducing the average herd somatic cell count (SCC), primarily an indicator of subclinical mastitis.
The five points are:-
- Treat and record clinical cases
- Post milking teat disinfection
- Dry cow therapy
- Cull chronic cases
- Milk machine maintenance
Various modifications to this plan have been introduced over the years including the “Six Point Plan”, as part of the National Mastitis Action Plan, and the “Ten Point Plan” developed by the National Mastitis Council (NMC) in the USA.
References
Blowey, R, Edmondson, P., 2010. Mastitis Control in Dairy Herds, 2nd Edition. CABI International.
Biggs, A., 2009. Mastitis in Cattle, 1st Edition. The Crowood Press Ltd.
www.mastitiscontrolplan.co.uk
www.dairyco.org.uk
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This article was written by Nick Lyons MA VetMB CertCHP MRCVS on April 21, 2011. |