Health and economic impacts of the eradication of Streptococcus agalactiae in a sample of brazilian herds.

CARNEIRO, A. V.; BRITO, M. A. V. P. e; MENDONCA, L. C.; BRITO, J. R. F.

Health and economic impacts of the eradication of Streptococcus agalactiae in a sample of brazilian herds.

Autores

Descripción

We evaluated the efficacy of a partial blitz therapy approach to climinate intramammary infections caused by Streptococcus agalactiae in three herds (A, B, C). After antibiotic treatment, milk samples produced no S. agalactiae, indicating the effectiveness of the therapy. In one herd (B) we had enough data to assess the economic impact (cost/benefit) of the program. A reduction in the percentage of clinical cases and number of cows with mastitis, and a significant reduction in SCC in the bulk tank milk were observed. However, there was no significant increase in milk production. Laboratory cultures were the main item of cost. The main benefits were the better price of milk due to the dairy’s milk quality payment scheme and the reduction of clinical cases of mastitis. Three simulation models were used to evaluate the financial benefits. The economic gains per year were estimated as US$36,238.11, US$20,030.80 and US$8,161.11 respectively for simulations 1, 2 and 3.