Influence of some herd factors on development of teat canal and intramammary infections

Investigation of four dairy herds in northern Italy showed that hygienic precautions did not prevent teat canal infections by mastitis bacteria, although they reduced intramammary infections. Only 25% of 1607 teats were free from mastitis bacteria, and there was no difference between 3 herds in this respect. Defence mechanisms of the teat were evidently important for preventing intramammary infections