Animal health
All cattle should be kept in good health and be inspected at least daily for signs of injury, illness or distress. Any such cattle should be segregated and treated promptly, with veterinary advice sought if necessary.
Cattle should not have been treated with any prohibited substance having a hormonal or thyrostatic action.
Milk from cows treated with any substance potentially harmful to human health must not be offered for sale unless the applicable withdrawal period has been observed.
Stockmen should be aware of the Five Point plan and follow set procedures for the prevention, detection and control of mastitis.
The Five Point Plan For Mastitis Prevention and Control
- Teats are disinfected after every milking
- Cows are closeley monitored to detect, record and treat cows with clinical mastitis at an early age
- Cows at the end of lactation are dried off quickly and treated with a long acting intra-mammary antibiotic (unless organic type systems are in place)
- Cows suffering persistent infections are culled
- The milking machine is thoroughly and regularly maintained
All teat dips, teat disinfectants and other udder treatments must be approved for food industry use and used in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.
Veterinary medicines must be stored securely outwith the milking area, and administered according to the manufacturer's and vet's instructions. Their use must be fully recorded in line with current legislation.
Animal's feet should be maintained in good condition and any cases of lameness dealt with promptly.
