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.