Your conclusions should be similar to the following concluded by Dr. Morin:

"Because the complaint is an increase in clinical mastitis, an environmental mastitis problem should be suspected. It is August, which probably means high heat and humidity (even in Vermont), providing optimal conditions for multiplication of environmental pathogens. Since most cases are subacute to mildly acute (there were no severe acute or peracute cases reported) and seem to respond well to antibiotic treatment, environmental streptococci should be suspected, as opposed to coliforms or some of the more unusual environmental pathogens."

"A milking machine problem (pulsator failure at one station) leads to teat congestion and compromises the cows' defenses. Strep. uberis mastitis probably follows as a result of poor stall design, poor bedding management, and warm, humid weather which allows rapid multiplication of streptococci in the bedding material. "

If your conclusions are substantially different from Dr. Morin's conclusions, then you should go back through this case and see where you went wrong.

Once you are sure that you understand this case completely, proceed to the next page.