‘Farmers yet to adopt top mastitis controls despite economic benefit’

Many farmers have yet to adopt optimum mastitis controls despite evidence of how well these consistently deliver significant economic gains, says Finola McCoy of Animal Health Ireland (AHI).

The AHI expert told those attending yesterday’s Cattle Association of Veterinary Ireland annual conference in Galway that the business case for farmers to improve mastitis control in their herds is very clear.

“The research shows us that there are significant economic gains to be made through increased production, a reduction in cases treated, etc,” said Ms McCoy. “Farmers report that dealing with mastitis is very stressful, thus reducing the prevalence and incidence of infection would reduce that stress level. There are also longer term gains at an industry level: having a constant supply of raw product of a high quality increases competitiveness and gives market security.”