€uroMilk mastitis control programme – a pilot study

Abstract

Despite the wealth of knowledge that exists in the industry, mastitis prevention and control continues to be a challenge for many farmers. Traditionally, Irish farmers may seek help and advice from individuals such as their farm advisor, veterinary surgeon or milking machine technician. However, communication between these groups of people in relation to farm issues remains limited. The €uroMilk pilot study centred on creating a communication network and a framework that facilitated service providers to work together as a team with the farmer. The objectives of this pilot study were to create multidisciplinary teams to develop farm-specific mastitis control programmes on twenty three Irish dairy farms, measure the impact and effectiveness of these teams in influencing change on participating farms and to determine if this model of delivery would be feasible in the Irish dairy industry. Each participating farmer invited team members of their own choice, such as their veterinary surgeon, milking machine technician, processor milk quality advisor and farm advisor. Team members were expected to use their existing skills and experience in the areas of communication, mastitis control and farming systems. Teams met at least 5 times over a period of fourteen months. Farmers were encouraged to set farm-specific milk quality targets. Farm specific losses associated with udder disease were communicated through the use of a cost-calculator. At each meeting, the teams drew up action plans, assigned responsibility for tasks, with review at subsequent meetings. The multidisciplinary teams were viewed positively, increasing awareness and providing focus as well as objective, independent advice. An active team leader, full team attendance, regularity of meetings and review were all important in maintaining momentum. Demands on professional availability of time, difficulties in coordinating meetings and conflicting professional advice were some of the obstacles to successful teamwork.