Comfortable cows maintain health easier and have fewer disease problems. Make sure free- stalls are clean and dry throughout the bedding depth, not just on the surface. Do not allow cows access to ponds or other standing bodies of water. Such practices are an invitation to disaster, as these water sites contain many types of bacteria and are continually contaminated by animal fecal material. Allowing cows access to standing water is also a violation of the Federal Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.
Many states have similar restrictions.
An insect control program is essential. An effective program must include strategies to control lice, ticks, house and stable flies, etc. The first and most important step in controlling fly breeding is proper management of manure and other materials such as spoiled silage, spilled feed, weeds and pooled water. Be sure your insect control program also covers calves and heifers. Farmstead cleanliness is an essential part of an insect control program.