Highlighting the importance of a more targeted approach to reduce cell counts, Peter Edmondson of Shepton Vet Group, explained methods of how to address them at a seminar held at the Dairy Show.

"Every cow must be post-dipped after every milking," Mr Edmondson told farmers. "Don't expect an immediate drop in cell counts, teat dipping helps stop new infections and has little effect on existing infections."

Advising farmers to use antibiotic dry cow therapy on all cows at the end of lactation to kill infections present in the udder, he added treatment would also prevent new infections occurring.

"All milkers should wear clean gloves to prevent cross-contamination and udder cloths should never be used on a common basis," he added. "Hands cannot be disinfected whereas clean gloves are a hostile surface for bacteria."

And liners should be replaced every 2500 milkings or every six months, whichever is a shorter period, according to Mr Edmondson.

Source: fwi.co.uk