Clinical cases of mastitis are costly and disrupt the milking routine. If clinical cases are missed, they contribute high numbers of cells into the vat; this can significantly increase bulk bilk somatic cell counts (BMSCC).

Rapid detection and treatment of clinical cases means fewer chronic infections develop, and less chance of infection being passed to other cows. This requires milking staff to be aware of signs that indicate clinical infections and situations that increase the risk of mastitis spread.

Guideline 10 and Technote 10 provide practical and technical information on:

• Early indicators of new clinical cases
• Stripping cows to find new clinical cases
• When to collect milk samples for culture
• Using MRS T to manage clinical cases.