As the ewes come up on the stand for the first time, they should have a CMT performed to determine their status as they are entering the parlor. You might use a color coding system to identify the ewes that have a suspicious or positive CMT test. These ewes should then be monitored more frequently than the rest of the flock. Ewes with a high CMT of mastitis should be milked last to prevent spreading mastitis through the flock. Refer to the section on CMT for further information on the test.

CMT should be run on the entire milking flock on a routine basis throughout milking. Udders must be clean, dry and sanitized before milking to be in compliance with the PMO. If the udder is dirty, then the base of the udder and the teats will have to be washed. A minimum of water should be utilized to complete the job and then the base of the udder and the teats should be well dried. If the ewe enters the milking parlor with a clean udder, then the udder should be wiped with a towel dampened in sanitizer. Pre-dipping with an approved pre-dip and wiping off the excess will also meet the PMO requirement.

Each ewe should have a clean towel used so that mastitis pathogens are not passed between ewes. Udder sponges should not be used as they harbor mastitis causing bacteria. While cleaning and wiping the udder, inspect it for early signs of mastitis. Observe the udder for abnormal heat, redness or swelling. Inspect the teats for sores. If the ewe is showing signs of mastitis at the time of cleaning, then separate towels should be used to wipe each half of the udder.