Every season brings its own problems and with increasing fly populations comes increased incidences of summer mastitis and eye infections in cattle.

Summer mastitis is caused by Actinomyces pyogenes, a bacterium often spread by cows and heifers, causing a thick, smelly, pus-like secretion.

The animals usually become stiff or lame and have a dull appearance, with rapid loss of body condition. Some affected animals can abort due to their condition and few, if any, affected quarters can be saved.

Treatment is aimed at saving the animal and her pregnancy. Treatment consists of antibiotics combined with frequent stripping of the affected quarter or teat amputation. Eye infections are also spread by flies at this time of year and, if left untreated, can spread rapidly through a group of animals, causing severe discomfort. Treatment is labour intensive and time consuming so emphasis at farm level should be on prevention.

As these conditions are difficult and unrewarding to treat, farmers should take measures to prevent their occurrence and spread. The main method of control used in Ireland is the use of long-acting pour-on preparations, of which there are a large number available.

These generally last between three to five weeks depending on the product used and the weather conditions.

Fly tags are also available and are a long-acting fly-repellent. Animals calving in summer and autumn are especially vulnerable to summer mastitis, so the smearing of stockholm tar on the udders of these animals acts as a very effective fly repellent and is well worth the effort required at times of high risk. For cows expected to calve at this time of year, use of teat sealants as part of routine dry cow therapy is also useful in the prevention of summer mastitis.

Talk to your vet about fly control options to protect your herd against the nuisance of flies and the diseases they transmit.

*Michael O’Meara works at Gortlandroe Vet Clinic, Nenagh, Tipperary. Gorltandroe Vet Clinic is part of XLVets. XLVets is a group of progressive practices who are working together to achieve a better future for agriculture and veterinary in Ireland.