Environmental pathogens and intramammary infection during the dry period.

Rate of coliform and streptococcal intramammary infection during the dry period was studied in 168 dry periods. Coliform infection rate was influenced by stage of dry period, parity, and season during which dry periods occurred. Effects of dry cow therapy, immunization, or induced inflammation on coliform infection rate were minimal. Coliform infections originating in the first 50% of the dry period and persisting to lactation were predominantly other than Escherichia coli, whereas the majority originating in the last 50% of the dry period and persisting to lactation were Escherichia coli. Duration of streptococcal infections was greater than coliform infections. Dry cow therapy reduced streptococcal infection rate, and the effect was exerted primarily during the first 25% of the dry period. Effects of parity and season were not significant and likely masked by the positive effects of dry cow therapy. Results support the contention that all quarters of all cows should be dry treated for maximum reduction of new streptococcal infection during the dry period. Results suggest that methods other than conventional dry cow therapy are required for control of coliform infection during the dry period and streptococcal infection during the latter half of the dry period.