Successful control is gained only through prevention of new infections and cow culling.
Staph aureus organisms colonize abnormal teat ends or can be present on teat cup liners. Milkers' hands, wash cloths, and teat cup liners are ways in which the infection can be spread from cow to cow. The organisms probably penetrate the teat canal during milking. Irregular vacuum fluctuations impact milk droplets and bacteria against the teat end with sufficient force to cause teat canal penetration and possible development of new infection. DHI offers a new test which detects presence of antibody to Staph aureus in preserved milk samples.