Successful control is gained only through prevention of infection and cow culling.
Staph aureus organisms colonize abnormal teat ends or can be present on teat cup liners. Milkers' hands and wash cloths 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. A new test is available through DHI which detects presence of antibody to Staph aureus in preserved milk samples.