When increased numbers of environmental infections are occurring, check the hous ing areas for dry cows and close-up cows. Controlling Duration of Infection Dry cow antibiotic treatment is the most effective therapeutic means of controlling the duration of mastitis infections. All cows should be treated in all quarters at the end of each lactation with a commercially available, sterile, single-use tub e of antibiotic. Even in herds that routinely have very low bulk tank somatic cell count, it is economically beneficial to continue total cow treatment. Dry cow antibiotic therapy cures a high percentage of existing infections and prevents new infections for about 2 weeks.
Partial insertion is recommended.
Marketing chronically infected cows also affects duration. Manufactures' recommendations should be carefully followed to gain maximum effect. It is well to remember that these vaccines do not prevent new infections. However, they will re duce the severity of infections. These vaccines are additions to a mastitis control program and should not substitute for other basic control measures.