Variation in Partial Direct Costs of Treating Clinical Mastitis among 37 Wisconsin Dairy Farms

The objective of this observational study was to describe variations in partial direct costs clinical mastitis (CM) treatments among 37 dairy herds using data obtained from herd management records. Animal health and drug purchase records were retrospectively collected Wisconsin for a period 1 yr. Each farm visited verify case definitions, recording accuracy, detection criteria CM cases. Descriptive statistics used summarize cost drugs milk discard. Differences protocols, intramammary (IMM) products, parities, DIM, recurrence analyzed ANOVA. Of 20,625 cases CM, 31% did not receive antimicrobial treatment. average discard (including that treated) $192.36 ± 8.90 per ranged farms $118.13 $337.25. For treated only with IMM antimicrobials, accounted 87% total highly influenced by duration therapy. observed recurrence, stage lactation at detection. Eight different treatment protocols observed, but 64% antimicrobials. Treatment varied however both injectable antimicrobials as well supportive therapy had the greatest they also longest duration. Ceftiofur 82% received while ampicillin 51% With exception ceftiofur pirlimycin many products given durations exceeded maximum labeled therapy, compared costs, we estimated could be reduced $65.20 if minimum used. Overall, herds, cow factors,