National Mastitis Survey

Mastitis remains one of the major financial and welfare issues facing dairy businesses despite decades of research.

We need your help to deepen our understanding into current udder health issues, in particular selective dry cow therapy procedures. Please share your expertise completing the survey and enter the prize draw to win branded merchandise.

Andrew Biggs BVSc FRCVS, from The Vale Veterinary Group Tiverton, says the survey will provide crucial insight into what farmers and vets think the concerns are when it comes to udder health on farms today.

Andrew continues “Data shows that intramammary infections (IMIs) present at dry-off or those acquired during the dry period are associated with increased risk of clinical mastitis within the next lactation¹. Therefore, farmers and vets need to be proficient in optimising not only the process of drying cows off but also the management of cows during the crucial transition from lactation through the dry period to their next lactation”

He says the results from these surveys will provide valuable information on where the sticking points are on-farm and give an insight into whether farmers and vets identify the same issues when it comes to dry cow management.

 “Once the insights from farmers and vets who are dealing with this on a daily basis have been analysed the available resources and support tools can be re-evaluated to help ensure best-practice protocols are applied across UK dairy farms."