Making Economically Efficient Treatment Decisions for Clinical Mastitis.

Abstract

Veterinary engagement in development of selective treatment protocols for non-severe clinical mastitis has numerous advantages for clients. Selective treatment protocols restrict antimicrobial treatments to cases that will benefit from antimicrobial therapy while depending on the immune response to clear many intramammary infections. Veterinarians should help clients develop selective treatment protocols that are based on determination of etiology and review of cow-level factors that influence immune capabilities. Effective use of selective treatment protocols is cost-effective and socially responsible and results in 25% to 50% reductions in unnecessary antimicrobial usage on dairy farms.