A Survey of Mastitis Detection Practices and Treatments on Dairy Farms in Bavaria, Southern Germany

Abstract

The objective of this study was to quantify the approaches of Bavarian
dairy farmers towards mastitis diagnostics and implemented treatment
options. Between fall 2017 and spring 2018, a stratified random
sample of Bavarian dairy farmers (shipping >200kg milk) was contacted
to participate in this anonymous survey. In the end 156 dairy farmers
participated. Mastitis severity scores (1-3) were used on 74 % of farms.
However, regular laboratory mastitis diagnostics were done on only
44 % of farms. Therapeutic approaches depended on the severity of
the mastitis cases. Farmers reported that mild cases were treated with
non-antibiotic treatments, e.g. homeopathy, or intramammary antibiotics.
They were more likely to call the veterinarian for more severe
cases. Few farmers reported to have regular discussions with their herd
veterinarian about the reduction of antibiotic usage on their farms. In
conclusion, the herd veterinarians should use their role as primary advisor
to farmers to push for more diagnostics to enable more specific
prevention and treatment strategies on Bavarian dairy farms.