Investigation and control of mastitis outbreaks caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a sheep flock and a goat herd.

Outbreaks of mastitis in a sheep flock and a goat herd caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and their control are described. The morbidity rates of mastitis in a sheep flock and in a goat herd were 18.7 and 18.2 per cent, respectively. The lethality and involuntary culling rates of the animals with sub-clinical mastitis correspond to the morbidity rate. The highest morbidity rates were noted in yearlings--22.5 and 30 per cent, as well as in animals pre- and post partum (7 and 20 per cent, in sheep and goats, respectively). The morbidity periods in the flock and in the herd were 20 and 27 months, respectively. A strict-hygiene milking programme and maintenance of the milking devices was introduced. In addition, prevention of crowding, provision of dry bedding and thorough cleaning of water troughs have also been instituted. Ruthless culling of all infected and carrier animals was an essential part of the control program against Pseudomonas aeruginosa mastitis.