A survey of mastitis in the British dairy herd
Wilson, C.D.; Richards, M.S.
Veterinary Record 106(21): 431-435
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 7001718 Document Number: 155911
500 herds were examined to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in the British dairy herd. Prevalences of the various infections recorded were Streptococcus agalactiae 3.4% of quarters, S. dysgalactiae 1.1%, S. uberis 1.5% and Staphylococcus pyogenes 8.1%. There were regional differences in the prevalence of some of these pathogens. The national prevalence of subclinical mastitis as defined by the International Dairy Federation was 9.6% of all quarters. Udder infections were less prevalent in herds where mastitis control measures were being used. The prevalence of infection also declined as the size of herd increased. However, as the adoption of mastitis control measures was greater in the larger herds it seems likely that the widespread use of control measures was the most important factor responsible for the relatively low prevalence of subclinical mastitis.