New Molecular Technology Helps Manage Mastitis in Dairy Cattle

Thermo Scientific PathoProof™ Mastitis PCR Assays identify mastitis-causing bacteria from bovine milk in just four hours. The assays are based on an accurate and sensitive technology known as PCR. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular technique that amplifies a piece of DNA. And because PathoProof relies on DNA, the test can be performed on multiple types of milk samples, making detection easier.

The PathoProof Mastitis PCR Assays are revolutionary tests for identifying the main mastitis-causing bacteria from bovine milk samples, without any bacterial culturing steps, refrigeration or special handling of samples. PathoProof assays can be used with fresh milk or bronopol preserved milk samples, recording samples, and bulk tank samples. The ability to use milk recording samples makes mastitis testing incredibly convenient for dairy producers.

In addition to identifying viable mastitis bacteria, PathoProof Mastitis PCR Assays also detect growth-inhibited microorganisms. This is a major advantage compared to the conventional bacterial culture method, where up to 40% of 'no growth' results are a problem for laboratories, veterinaries, and dairy producers. Validation studies indicate superior analytical specificity and sensitivity for the assays, making them the most accurate mastitis test method available.

All Thermo Scientific Remel assays, including PathoProof, are manufactured using leading-edge technology and premium ingredients. Quality certificates are available for every batch, to help reduce the burden of QC testing.