Hi! I know that it's been a long time, but I have some interesting news
about a certain bacteria that you probably have encountered on your farms.
I would like to take this opportunity to pass on some helpful information
to you. In this bulletin, I will be discussing Pseudomonas and where it
can be found. I will also be letting you know about the problems it can
cause and possible treatments.
The bacteria Pseudomonas
aeruginosa is wide spread in the environment. It can be found in any water
supply. This includes wells, troughs, ponds, parlor wash hoses, and sprinkler
pens. This bacteria has also been isolated from waste feed, soil, manure,
and animal skin. So as you can see Pseudomonas is everywhere. The real
challenge in the control of this bacteria is not only that it is widespread,
but it tends to protect itself from antibiotics and the cow’s immune
system by covering itself with a layer of slim.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa can attack weakened cows causing a very serious
infection in the mammary glands. These bacteria will attack cows that
have already been weakened by injury to the teats or by another infection.
Poor nutrition can also leave a cow more susceptible to infections. Pseudomonas
aeruginosa will not infect cows already infected with other bacteria so
this can become a problem in a well managed herd where Strep and Staph
are not a problem. Non-clinical infections are very likely to develop
if a herd is exposed to small numbers of the bacteria over a long period
of time. The most common means for this to happen is when the water used
to wash the teats, in sprinkler pens, and the well water used to mix concentrated
teat dips is contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Some of the signs
of mastitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa would include a sudden outbreak
in several cows all occurring in a few days, but with no change in weather
or herd management. Cows may show signs of toxemia even with treatment.
There may also be multiple quarter infection, resistant to antibiotic
therapy, and a high recurring infection rate.
If you notice any of these problems with your herd there are several things
that can be done. The first would be to have any cows not responding to
treatment tested for Pseudomonas. You will want to cull or isolate any
infected cows to stop the infection from spreading. The water should be
tested for Pseudomonas and chlorine treatment of the well water may be
necessary. Also all the rubber hoses should be replaced.
I hope that this information
will be helpful in the management of your dairy. If you have any questions
please call.
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