21 April 2009
Summer mastitis is caused when the sheep head fly (Hydrotaea irritans) irritates teats which then leads to bacteria such as Streptococcus dysgalactiae invading the udder, followed by Arcanobacterium pyogenes*. Both bacteria are normally present on healthy animals. However, the sheep head fly has also been shown to spread A. pyogenes among cows. Studies have shown that 60% of cases occur in the front quarters because it’s thought tail swishing keeps flies away from the back teats.
To read full newsletter, click the download below
