ORGANIZATION AND EXPERIENCE OF THE EUTERGESUNDHEITSDIENSTE (UDDER HEALTH-SERVICES) IN THE FEDERAL-REPUBLIC-OF-GERMANY

The Eutergesundheitsdienste (EGDs) in the 10 Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany have developed along different legal, organizational and methodological lines. As examples, the EGDs of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Bavaria are described. Bulk milk samples should be tested for streptococci causing mastitis and B-streptococci may best be demonstrated by serological means. The procedure for counting somatic cells should be standardized, and optical equipment using fluorescence is useful for this purpose. Health protection programmes are applied predominantly to smallholdings. In future account must be taken of milk quantities, and the results of the EGDs should also be considered when determining the quality of the milk to be purchased. The information system needs to be reformed. Lactose, pyruvate and lactate may play an important part in the testing of individual milk samples by the EGDs. More effective checks should be made on the health of cows' udders, and the dairies should cooperate in organizing services for maintaining milk equipment. A study group on udder health has been established by the German Veterinary medicine Society as a forum for coordinating the EGDs in Germany and elsewhere. © 1979 Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company.