The National Mastitis Council (NMC) released its third edition of the Laboratory Handbook on Bovine Mastitis.

The 148-page book is designed for laboratory diagnosticians, veterinarians, educators, students, researchers, technical specialists and dairy producers and discusses the basic theories of microbial culture, mastitis diagnosis and pathogens, laboratory procedures and molecular pathogen diagnosis methods. Previous editions were published in 1987 and 1999.

The international reference book now includes three new chapters:

1. The new Chapter 4 addresses molecular techniques, which are the most recent development in pathogen diagnosis and are becoming more accurate in identifying causative organisms by genus and species as well as strain type.

2. The new Chapter 8 discusses mycoplasmas, which previously were included with miscellaneous organisms.

3. The new Chapter 12 covers on-farm culture systems.

Users of the previous edition will find the current book’s format similar to the second edition. Microbial culture remains the backbone of mastitis diagnosis. Consequently, microbial culture methods are discussed and have been updated when appropriate. The book addresses the advantages and disadvantages of various techniques in terms of accuracy, specificity and sensitivity of detection, cost and turnaround time.

The handbook includes information, photographs and illustrations, regarding sample collection and handling, diagnostic equipment and materials, diagnostic procedures, molecular diagnostics, mastitis pathogens, somatic cell count, bulk tank culture and on-farm culture. Also, the book contains appendices on general isolation media, mycoplasma medium and testing procedures, other media, testing procedures and stains.

The book costs $129.95 for NMC members and $149.95 for non-members, plus shipping. To order the book, mail, fax or email an order to: National Mastitis Council, P.O. Box 156, New Prague, Minn. 56071 USA; fax: (952) 758-5813, or email: [email protected].

Writing committee members for the third edition of Laboratory Handbook on Bovine Mastitis included: Pamela Adkins, University of Missouri; Lawrence Fox, Washington State University; Sandra Godden, University of Minnesota; Bhushan M. Jayarao, Pennsylvania State University; Greg Keefe, Atlantic Veterinary College; David Kelton, University of Guelph; Alfonso Lago, Dairy Experts; John Middleton, University of Missouri; William Owens, Louisiana State University; Christina Petersson-Wolfe, Virginia Tech; Gina M. Pighetti, University of Tennessee; Rebecca Quesnell, Zoetis; Erin Royster, University of Minnesota; Pamela Ruegg, University of Wisconsin-Madison; K. Larry Smith, Ohio State University, and Jennifer Timmerman, University of Minnesota.

NMC is a professional organization devoted to reducing mastitis and enhancing milk quality. NMC promotes research and provides information to the dairy industry on udder health, milking management, milk quality and milk safety. Founded in 1961, NMC has about 1,000 members in more than 40 countries throughout the world.