Coliforms and environmental Streps thrive in bedding and where manure buildups occur. Under warm, moist conditions numbers can dramatically increase exposing teat ends to very high bacteria concentrations. Such conditions are common during spring through late summer in most areas. Maintenance of stall conditions during these periods is critical to minimize problems but it is not only stalls. Each of these conditions causes increased exposure to high levels of environmental bacteria even under conditions that would appear ideal.
H eat can add to problems and force cattle to congregate in shady areas seeking relief.
The end result may be buildup of very high levels of bacteria in places that are not normally a concern. These include areas under corral shades, shade trees and similar locations. These situations have to be properly managed to limit problems. C linical mastitis is no fun and can be the cause of serious infections and milk loss. Understanding potential causes and proactively taking action to minimize them will help limit the problem.