Treating subclinical infections over a cow’s dry period can help prevent infections around dry-off, and can help provide cows with a fresh start to their next lactation. Here are some tips for effective dry cow therapy, created by Dr. Linda Tikofsky, Professional Services Veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI).

Dr. Tikofsky suggests choosing a Gram-positive tube, as almost 95 percent of cases are caused by Gram-positive bacteria, and she emphasizes the importance of following the necessary dry-off protocol to minimize the introduction of new infections.

Suggested protocol includes milking out the cow, dipping and wiping the teat, using an alcohol-moistened swab or gauze to scrub teat ends, infusing the teat ends, and finishing with a final dip.

She also suggests training staff to use partial insertion, as
it can also reduce the chance of introducing a new infection, and moving cows to clean, dry area, which will minimize the ability for bacteria to enter the teat end. Be sure to check out BIVI’s mastitis tubes, which offer flexible tip and guides to ensure partial insertion.

Finally, be sure to wear gloves and sanitize in between cows, which will work to further reduce the chance of introducing a new infection.