Journal of Veterinary Science 2012-03-01

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of mastitis pathogens isolated from dairy herds transitioning to organic management.

Young Kyung Park, Lawrence K Fox, Dale D Hancock, Wade McMahan, Yong Ho Park

Index: J. Vet. Sci. 13(1) , 103-5, (2012)

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Abstract

Changes in udder health and antibiotic resistance of mastitis pathogens isolated from dairies upon conversion from conventional to organic management over a 3-year period was studied. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were the most prevalent mastitis pathogens isolated. CNS were significantly less resistant to β-lactam antibiotics when isolated from milk after the herd transitioned to organic management. Cessation of the use of antimicrobial therapies in dairies in combination with organic management could lead to a reduction in the antimicrobial resistance of mastitis pathogens.