Disease management and how it affects Milk quality
Importance of disease management in dairy sector
According to Dr Menjo, there is a need to restructure the flow in veterinary services. Disease management is a major key when it comes to improving the quality of milk.
“Tracking of disease management as a country is important. Data developed will influence a lot of decisions to ensure that when we treat the animals or vaccinate them, we attack the problem from its root,” he notes.
“If we address the issue of traceability and stock up data on this, we are then able to export the milk. Additionally, once we can control disease management in our herds, we can focus on exportation” he cautioned.
Mr Ochieng said that dairy farmers need a lot of education on vaccination, especially on lactating animals. In addition, if disease management is taught to dairy farmers, the quality of milk is bound to improve.
“Farmers are advised to avoid milking their herds within 72 hours of vaccination,” he notes. Furthermore, strict regulations and adaptation of good storage along the milk value chain will minimise aflatoxin contamination. This occurs in milk and other dairy products.
“We need improvement in analytical facilities. Moreover, we need to increase the awareness of aflatoxin and its effects in milk and dairy products. This will help to minimise its occurrence levels across the country,” Mr Ochieng notes.
Moving forward, there is a need for increased investment in the dairy sector by both the national and county governments. Moreover, in providing laboratories for testing for diseases and providing equipment for farmers.
Additional information on disease management in milk the same; https://franklinvets.co.nz/dairy/disease-management/