Other infected cows are major sources of infection which can be transmitted by the milking machine components, hands of the operator, use of common rags and sponges, and directly from the environment. Teat dipping is essential for proper control. The spread of contagious organisms are controlled by teat dipping and except for mycoplasma, are eliminated by dry cow therapy. Herds with contagious mastitis problems usually have to get back to dip cups and cover the whole teat to the base of the udder to control the spread. Environmental organisms These live in the cows' environment and are always present.
Excellent sanitation is needed for their control.
They are not susceptible to antibiotics. They can be controlled by proper sanitation and milking clean, dry udders. The rates of new infections are the highest during the first two weeks of the dry period and the last two weeks of the dry period. New infection rates are also high in early lactation and diminish as the lactation proceeds. Infection Dynamics To understand mastitis infection, you must realize how its level changes on a herd basis.