Failure to cover the whole teat of every cow at every milking or using incorrectly diluted teat sprays are the most common errors.

Bacteria in milk from infected quarters can contaminate the skin of many other teats during milking. After milking, these bacteria multiply on the teat skin and may enter the teat canal. Disinfecting the teat surface immediately after milking helps minimise the spread of bacteria.

Guideline 7 provides practical information on:

• The importance of using a registered teat disinfectant
• Recommended frequency for making up teat spray
• Suitable water quality for making up teat spray
• Adding extra emollient
• Checking coverage of teat spray

Technote 7 provides technical information for farmers and advisers on:

• Different active ingredients in teat spray
• Testing suitability of the water for teat spray
• Selecting the right active ingredient and emollient
• Application methods
• Volume required per cow