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Teatseal is an intramammary, non-antibiotic, inert substance for the prevention of mastitis during the non-lactation (dry) period in heifers and cows.
Teatseal contains bismuth subnitrate, a viscous material which is infused hygienically into the teat as soon as possible after the last milking of lactation. It physically plugs the teat canal immediately after infusion thus preventing bacteria from entering the teat. The teat canal then becomes closed from day one of the dry period.
Teatseal is indicated for the prevention of mastitis during the non-lactation (dry) period:
Teatseal is also indicated for the prevention of peri-calving mastitis in maiden heifers.
Mastitis almost always occurs as the result of the udder becoming infected with bacteria entering through an open teat canal during both the dry period and lactation. The majority of these intramammary infections are attributable to two major bacteria, Streptococcus uberis during the dry period and early lactation, and Staphylococcus aureus during lactation. Both these bacteria can significantly elevate somatic cell count (SCC) levels and induce clinical mastitis.
Proven effectiveness – Trials1,2,3,4 show that Teatseal is very effective at preventing mastitis during the dry period and at calving. This effect was similar to that of a long acting dry cow therapy (DCT) (250mg cephalonium). There was an additional benefit over a long acting DCT (250mg cephalonium) in early lactation in two of those trials.1,2
Compatible – Teatseal provides gold standard mastitis prevention when used in combination with Orbenin Enduro.5,6,7
Long acting - Teatseal stays in the lower teat sinus for over 100 days post infusion, protecting cows from infection.
Teatseal is a non-antibiotic intramammary product containing 2.6g bismuth subnitrate in an oily base. It is available in a 4g syringe in plastic buckets of 120 injectors.
Store below 25°C (room temperature). The active ingredient is an oxidising agent and in large quantities may intensify fire. Take all necessary precautions to prevent contact with combustible materials. This material may cause skin and eye irritation. If used in accordance with label directions, this product is not expected to be hazardous.
Teatseal should only be used in uninfected cows with 1 syringe per quarter being administered after the last milking at drying off. In order to correctly identify uninfected animals, we recommend that you retain records from at least 4 herd tests and that the last test is done no longer than 4-6 weeks prior to drying off. In herds with a high risk of mastitis (ie. higher bulk SCC) a test closer to drying off is recommended.
To identify uninfected cows, examine your herd SCC test records and records of clinical cases of mastitis for the period since previous drying off. An "uninfected" animal is one that for the period since previous drying off has had individual SCCs below 150,000 (for cows) or below 120,000 (for heifers) and have had no record of clinical mastitis since the previous drying off.
Provided that more than 60% of your cows are "uninfected" (based on the above criteria) then "uninfected" animals in the herd can be treated with Teatseal. If this is not the case blanket dry cow antibiotic therapy is recommended. If you are unsure of the infection status of a cow, consult your veterinarian.
Teatseal has no bactericidal properties. Therefore it is of paramount importance that a hygienic infusion technique is strictly adhered to. Allow plenty of time to prepare teats and administer Teatseal in a hygienic manner.
Immediately after the last milking at drying off, the udder should be stripped and each teat thoroughly cleaned with a suitable disinfectant solution and Orbenin Enduro or Orbenin Dry Cow inserted and massaged into the quarter as per the respective product label. Re disinfect the teat and carefully infuse the entire contents of one Teatseal syringe into each teat to form a seal. After infusion, do not massage or squeeze the teat as this may dislodge the seal.
As recommended in the SAMM Plan, inspect all quarters of all cows in the herd one week after drying off for signs of infection, such as swelling or heat. Treat any clinically infected cows, consulting with your veterinarian about appropriate treatment options.
Prior to the first milking, cows must be manually stripped immediately beforehand to remove the bulk of the Teatseal. Any remaining Teatseal should be eliminated within the first week of milking. Teatseal ingested by a calf will pass through the calf without causing any problems.
Withholding periods:
Milk: Milk intended for human consumption or manufacture for human consumption must be discarded during treatment for not less than 8 milkings or approximately for 96 hours after calving. Meat: Nil. Colostrum can be fed to bobby calves.
Do not use Teatseal in a lactating cow.
In lactating heifers (1st calvers) and cows with individual somatic cell counts of less than 120,000 and 150,000 respectively use immediately after the last milking at drying off. The udder should be stripped and each teat must be thoroughly disinfected prior to insertion of the syringe. Infusion without adequate disinfection of the teat will potentially result in serious mastitis. Recommended disinfection method is to thoroughly scrub the teat end with an alcohol-impregnated teat wipe. Use a fresh teat wipe for each teat. Once all teats are disinfected, carefully insert the syringe with partial insertion of the teat orifice and inject contents into the teat. Teats should not be massaged after infusion. If at any time the teats become dirty after disinfection and before insertion of the syringe, the teat end should be re-disinfected. After infusion the teats should be sprayed with an appropriate teat sanitiser solution.
In lactating cows and heifers with individual somatic cell counts higher than 120,000 and 150,000 respectively, use immediately after the last milking at drying off. First the udder should be stripped and each teat must be thoroughly disinfected prior to insertion of Orbenin Enduro or Orbenin Dry Cow, which should be massaged into the quarter as per the respective product label. Then redisinfect the teat, before applying the Teatseal as described above.
In the case of maiden heifers, Teatseal application should be carried out as described above, approximately 4 weeks prior to the planned start of calving (in a typical seasonal calving herd).
Zoetis Animal Health New Zealand Limited. Level 5, 8 Mahuhu Crescent, Auckland 1010, New Zealand. Tel: 0800 650 277, Fax: 0800 628 629. TEATSEAL is a registered trade mark of Zoetis Inc. or its subsidiaries. ACVM Registration No. A7294. RVM; Available only under Veterinary Authorisation.
References:
For technical enquiries please phone Zoetis Technical Services on 0800 650 277.
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