When calves fed mastitic milk are allowed to suck each other, infection can occur in the developing mammary gland, therefore, milk fed calves should be housed in individual pens. Consumption of mastitic milk in itself will not lead to mastitis infection, although milk from clinically-infected cows may cause other health problems. The risk of infection is greater after milking because the sphincter muscle at the end of the teat is relaxed permitting easier bacterial invasion. Providing fresh feed during and after milking is a simple way to keep cows standing. Proper fly control, both on the cows and in the stable, is also important.
Flies cause stress and also carry mastitis causing bacteria from teat end to teat end.
Teat injuries, nearly always result from damage inflicted by the dew claws and hooves of the injured cow, and not by other animals. The frequency of teat injuries can be reduced by providing adequate sized stalls, and by eliminating pendulous udders through selection and culling. Udder supports and teat protectors over the dew claws, can be used to protect the teats of cows with larger udders during the high risk period at calving time. Removing the inside dew claw of newborn heifer calves significantly reduces the chance of self-inflicted teat injury in adult cows. When teats are injured, teat dilators, or cannulae should be used only when absolutely necessary.