Pseudomonas Mastitis - Difficulties In Detection And Elimination From Contaminated Wash-Water Systems

Histories of 4 dairy herds with increased incidence of Pseudomonas mastitis associated with contaminated wash hoses in milking parlors are described. Problems of detection and elimination of the organism from contaminated water sources and the inadequacy of iodide germicides in eliminating Pseudomonas are discussed. In problem herds, greater numbers of organisms often are found in the water left standing in the wash hoses between milkings. Thus, flushing of hoses before their use in the milking process may be beneficial in reducing exposure of the cows to the organism.