Teat sealants in cows at drying off – Follow instructions in the package leaflet

Farmers using teat sealants in cows at drying off are reminded to follow the instructions included in the package leaflets, in order to prevent any adverse consequences for the animals concerned

Problem or issue

Improper use of teat sealants may result in potentially serious consequences for the treated animal, including mastitis and death.

Following an increase in the number of reports of suspected adverse events associated with the use of teat sealants in dairy cows at drying off, we wish to highlight the instructions for use of the products concerned, in the interests of animal health and welfare.

Selection of cows for treatment with a teat sealant should be based on veterinary advice.

Selection criteria may be based on the mastitis and cell count history of individual cows, or recognised tests for the detection of sub-clinical mastitis or bacteriological sampling.

Do not use teat sealants in cows with clinical mastitis at drying off.

Do not use teat sealants alone in cows with sub-clinical mastitis at drying off.

Where sub-clinical or clinical mastitis is found, consult your veterinary practitioner. Your veterinary practitioner may need to prescribe an antibiotic for treatment.

After use of teat sealants observe dry cows regularly for signs of clinical mastitis.

If a sealed quarter develops clinical mastitis, the affected quarter should be stripped out manually before appropriate therapy is instituted.

To reduce the risk of contamination, do not immerse the syringe in water. Use the syringe only once.

Take great care not to introduce pathogens into the teat when administering teat sealants in order to minimise the risk of acute mastitis.

Teats must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with surgical spirit or alcohol impregnated wipes prior to use. The teats should be wiped until the wipes are no longer visibly dirty. Teats should be allowed to dry prior to infusion.

Following infusion, use a teat dip or spray.

Actions to be taken

Always read the package leaflet before use.

Always observe the instructions included in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPCs) and the package leaflets of the concerned products.

Adverse events following use of teat sealants should be notified to either the company responsible for placing the product on the market or alternatively, to the HPRA using the online reporting form.

Learn how to report an adverse event using the HPRA online reporting form

Background Information Or Related Documents:

The Summary of Product Characteristics (SPCs) for teat sealants authorised by the HPRA are published on the HPRA website.

Further Information:

Full information on the correct use of teat sealants is available in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) published on the HPRA website and also from the package leaflet included with the product.