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

"An increase in somatic cell count without an increase in clinical mastitis indicates subclinical contagious mastitis, probably caused by Streptococcus agalactiae and/or Staphylococcus aureus. The sharp and progressive increase in the bulk tank somatic cell count over 6 months suggests that a change in milking procedures, purchase of infected cows, or a deterioration in milking machine function led to rapid spread of the organism(s) throughout the herd."

"Because contagious mastitis is suspected, concentrating on milking procedures and the milking machine, rather than the environment, is a good approach. However, it is not a bad idea to take a look at the environment, since there may be obvious problems (not necessarily related to this mastitis problem) that you could advise the producer about."

"Contagious mastitis is spread from cow to cow by milk contaminated fomites at milking time. The milking machine deficiencies that you have identified may be important contributors to the spread of contagious pathogens."

"The cause of Eslie de Koo's mastitis problem is most likely from a Streptococcus agalactiae outbreak following purchase of infected cows. Poor milking procedures and improper milking machine use leads to rapid spread through the herd."

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.