Covid-19 could leave farmers relying on old newspaper for cleaning cows before milking

Worst-case scenario advice for dairy farmers in the UK now includes using torn-up squares of old newspaper, if single-use disposable paper towels, or medicated wipes, are not available for removing dirt and bacteria from the cows’ teats before milking.

Cotton face flannels can be used to dry teats (one per cow) but need to be washed, disinfected and dried between milkings, and cannot be reused to clean multiple cows.