GUIDELINE 69 Abnormal Milk-Risk Reduction and HACCP

As HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) becomes the basis of the U.S. food safety assurance program, "Preharvest Food Safety" is an emerging issue and abnormal milk has been suggested to be a critical control point. Obtaining knowledge of the epidemiology of several different types of mastitis causing bacteria found on the farm makes it possible to use specific management practices to interfere with the multiplication of each of these bacteria types, thereby maintaining; low bacterial numbers and minimizing animal exposure to disease causing bacteria (pathogens).

The purpose of this guideline is to indicate how to match management to reduction of pathogens on the farm in order to avoid the incidence of abnormal milk.