The occurrence of summer mastitis in Jutland (Denmark) in relation to meteorological factors
Olesen, J.E.; Nielsen, S.A.; Hansen, J.W.; Nansen, P.
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 26(4): 466-481
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-605X PMID: 3836567 Document Number: 255818
Data for incidence of summer mastitis in 14 veterinary practices in Jutland (Denmark) were related to meteorological factors using statistical methods. It occurred earlier in years with high temperature and precipitation in early summer. The annual number of cases increased between 1953 and 1980. This increase was described by applying a linear increase with year to a logarithmic transformation of the annual incidence. Analysis of 10-day incidences from the veterinary practices and daily incidence from a test site at St. Vildmose (Jutland) showed that incidence was related to temperature and wind velocity within the previous 10 days. High temperature and low wind velocity in this period increase the incidence. This indicates that the incubation period of summer mastitis is at maximum about 10 days. The activity of the fly (Hydrotaea irritans) which acts as mechanical vector for the bacteria is influenced by temperature and wind velocity. This may explain the variation in incidence of summer mastitis during the season and from year to year.