An alternative treatment trial for Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in organically managed dairy cattle

We evaluated the effect of non-antibiotic treatment of Stophylococcus aureus mastitis in a controlled, randomized trial conducted on two organic dairy farms in New York State. Cows were treated (n = 20) with two immune stimulants (Immunoboost (TM) and and Biocel (TM) CBT) and a Staph nosode, or left untreated (n = 10). Milk samples were collected three times at weekly intervals both before and after treatment to determine infection status and quarter milk SCC using standard methods. There was no significant difference between treated cows and controls for cure rate or SCC. Management of S. aureus mastitis on organic dairy farms must continue to rely on strict segregation at milking time, excellent milking technique, and appropriate culling decisions. Ribotyping of isolates showed a predominant strain type in each herd, underscoring the importance of control of contagious transmission, and illustrating the difficulty in achieving this. Early detection of infected cows may improve prevention of contagious transmission and cure rates obtained after treatment.