Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Accomplishments

OBJECTIVE 1: Characterize host mechanisms associated with mastitis susceptibility, and resistance to improve economic outcomes and animal welfare.

Cornell University

Members: Quinn Kolar, Matthias Wieland, Amy Vasquez , Cassie Guarino

Contributors: Mike Zurakowski, Gloria Gioia

Wieland Lab: 1) Completed a study investigating the association of post-milking teat tissue conditions with clinical mastitis risk.  2) Completed a study investigating the association between post-calving intramammary infection and lactational performance.  3) Completed a study investigating the association between teat shape and clinical mastitis risk.

Long Island University

Members: Y. Mahmmod,

Contributors: T. Inzana, C. Smith, R. Abdi

Dr. Mahmmod and his DVM student, Caroline Smith, completed a small project on that investigated association of bovine intramammary infections and teat and udder conformation characteristics particularly teat-end shape, teat cleanliness, presence of udder hair, and presence of udder cleft lesions in dairy cows using standardized scoring scheme. Additionally, we also investigated association of bovine intramammary infections using California Mastitis Test and cow’s hygiene parameters including leg, hook, udder, thigh, rear, and belly of dairy cows. Our research revealed that cows with a bad score of udder cleft cleanliness, thigh hygiene, bedding condition, and previous mastitis history were significantly associated with subclinical mastitis. These findings highlight the importance of targeted hygiene monitoring beyond teat-end evaluation, particularly udder cleft and thigh regions, in mastitis prevention. This research has been accepted as a poster presentation in the upcoming 65th NMC annual meeting.

Michigan State University

Members: Pamela Ruegg

Contributors: Zelmar Rodriguez

In FY25 MSU researchers collected data to characterize outcomes and economic consequences of a no-antibiotic treatment policy for bovine mastitis used on larger conventional dairy farms.  We completed and published a paper evaluating clinical outcomes of cows challenged with Strep uberis after receiving a prebiotic oral treatment.

University of Minnesota

Members: S. Godden, L. Caixeta, N. Noyes, Erin Royster

Effect of mucosal immune stimulation on mammary gland immune responses during the dry period and early lactation period in dairy cows. Caixeta, Dow, Noyes, Crooker, Godden, Nydam, Walcheck. We have completed the experimental phase of this project, which sought to define immune adaptations in the mammary gland following the administration of an immunostimulant, as well as changes occurring after dry-off. Cow enrollment and sample collection are finished. Currently, our group is analyzing the generated data to characterize the 'immune training' of mammary gland immune cells following stimulation.

The Ohio State University

Members: B. Enger

Contributors: K. Enger

Neutrophils are the chief responders to a new infection, especially during mastitis. A pilot study was conducted to investigate neutrophil dynamics during acute, endotoxin induced mastitis so that future investigations can investigate neutrophil production, maturation, and migration. The results of the study indicate the neutrophils from blood begin migrating as soon as 3 h post mastitis challenge and that circulating blood neutrophils rapidly drop and rebound after disease challenge.   

South Dakota State University

Members: T. Swartz

We have completed one study and are currently conducting another study looking at the effects of systemic inflammation (metabolic inflammation) during the postpartum period on mammary immune function during an intramammary Strep. uberis challenge. Our objective is to determine if systemic inflammation during the postpartum period impacts mastitis susceptibility. Results thus far indicate that systemic inflammation does not directly affect mammary immune function.

OBJECTIVE 2:  Characterize agents associated with intramammary infections and assess their impact on milk quality and animal welfare

Cornell University

Members: Quinn Kolar, Matthias Wieland, Amy Vasquez , Cassie Guarino

Contributors: Mike Zurakowski, Gloria Gioia

The Guarino team has been working to implement the IR-Biotyper (Bruker Daltonics), an advanced laboratory instrument that uses Fourier-transformed infrared and machine learning algorithms to characterize bacterial organisms to detect within-species phenotypic variations that may be associated with pathogenicity factors or presence of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. The IR-Biotyper was utilized this year to further characterize milk-derived Streptococcus uberis isolates identified by MALDI-TOF. A classifier was developed that could reliably classify S. uberis as Type I or Type II.

Hill Farm Research Station, LSU AgCenter

Member: William E. Owens

Identify and evaluate bacteria causing bovine mastitis in Louisiana.  Test bacteria for antimicrobial resistance to mastitis therapeutics. Stock mastitis isolates and share with other members for further testing and evaluation.

Advise dairy producers and fieldmen on mastitis prevention and control methods.

Long Island University

Members: Y. Mahmmod,

Contributors: T. Inzana, C. Smith, R. Abdi

In FY25, Dr. Mahmmod and his team conducted the following:

1 - We collaborated with international researchers from Egypt to investigate for the first time the frequency, antimicrobial resistance profiles, biofilm-forming ability, virulence factors, spa and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types of methicillin-resistant and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and VRSA) isolated from clinical and subclinical bovine mastitis in Egypt. Our research concluded that the emergence of MRSA and VRSA in dairy cattle complicates the treatment of bovine mastitis caused by S. aureus and poses a potential risk of animal-to-human transmission. Screening milk from bovine mastitis cases and the genotypic analysis of the isolated strains are essential to estimate MRSA spread and understand transmission mechanisms. The high prevalence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) and extensive drug-resistant (XDR) isolates in the research area has been linked to inadequate infection control and preventive procedures as well as the overuse and reckless use of antibiotics in cattle husbandry. This research has been published in Scientific Reports, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-81516-6

2 - We succeeded to secure an USDA Fund- Capacity Grant for one year research project on “Etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms responsible for bovine mastitis in Long Island dairy cattle”. We are planning to screen the dairy cattle in the Long Island for the mastitis pathogens and associated antimicrobial resistance profiles.

Michigan State University

Members: Pamela Ruegg

Contributors: Zelmar Rodriguez

The MSU team evaluated inhibitory activity of extracts of several herbs and plants against both E coli and Sta aureus that had been isolated from cases of bovine mastitis.  We completed a clinical trial to compare bacteriological clearance of non-severe clinical mastitis caused by Gram-positive pathogens and identified some differences between Streptococci and strep-like organisms.  We also compared identification of mastitis pathogens using conventional techniques to identification using MALDI-TOF and performed a project to determine and compare MIC values of NAS, Enterococci, Lactococci and Streptococci spp. that had been isolated from milk samples of cows with non-severe clinical mastitis. 

In 2025, Dr. Rodriguez team completed a study evaluating how Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 affects milk yield, composition, and quality. This information supports ongoing efforts to improve our understanding of this new disease in cattle and to guide surveillance strategies that protect milk quality and enhance outbreak management.

In addition, we have been working on creating and validating an AI-based tool to classify and count bacterial colonies on culture plates, improving the speed and consistency of mastitis diagnostic workflows.

University of Missouri

Members: Pamela Adkins, John Middleton                                                                       

The MU team worked on an ongoing study evaluating strain level variability of Staphylococcus chromogenes infections in heifers using a teat dip challenge model. This study is a component of a collaborative project with the VT station.   Our group also conducted a study to evaluate Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolates from dairy cows to allow for comparison between dairy origin isolates and previously characterized isolates of human origin.  We also worked on antimicrobial activity, antimicrobial resistance, and stain typing of other non-aureus staphylococcal species, including Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Staphylococcus equorum.

Utah State University

Members: David Wilson

Contributors: Gregory Goodell, Tessa Kelly, Rusty Stott, Michaela Bethard, John Wallentine, Jon Schumann, Shane Summers, Justin Jenson, Eneli Jenson, Kyson Jenson, Kortnee Selin, Chloe Stenkamp-Strahm

One study continued our work regarding sodium percarbonate, a preservative used in processing milk and other foods, and its associations with bacteria counts (Standard Plate Counts) when added to milk intended for feeding to dairy calves.  The levels of SPC - as time passed since pasteurization - in milk with sodium percarbonate added were markedly reduced in comparison to those in untreated milk.

In another study, multiple concentrations of sodium percarbonate were added to milk fed to preweaned dairy calves.  Calves fed milk with the optimal concentration of sodium percarbonate had lower percentages of feedings with diarrhea and respiratory disease than calves fed untreated control milk.  There were no signs of colic, other calf discomfort, or GI tract pathology associated with adding sodium percarbonate to milk fed to dairy calves.

University of Vermont Agriculture Station

Members: John Barlow

Contributors: Caitlin Jeffrey, Ashma Chakrawarti, Chidiebere Onoh, Simran Rai

We completed studies evaluating staphylococcus species genomes and assess their impact on milk quality. 

OBJECTIVE 3: Assess and apply new technologies and preventative strategies that advance mastitis control, milk quality and/or reduce antimicrobial usage

Cornell University

Members: Quinn Kolar, Matthias Wieland, Amy Vasquez , Cassie Guarino

Contributors: Mike Zurakowski, Gloria Gioia

Wieland Lab: Completed a study investigating the influence of individual quarter dry-off as an alternative to antimicrobial treatment in cows with chronic mastitis.

Vasquez Lab: Initiatives taken to quantify and characterize enteric gas production in subclinical versus clinical cows using Greenfeed systems and comparing these sensors to a novel measuring device.

Long Island University

Members: Y. Mahmmod,

Contributors: T. Inzana, C. Smith, R. Abdi

In FY25, Dr. Mahmmod and his team worked on development of evaluation of diagnostic performance of a novel molecular microarray assay (MMA) against bacterial culture for the diagnosis of bovine intramammary infections with Mycoplasma species using a gold standard approach. Our research indicated that MMA offers substantial advantages over bacterial culture for diagnosing IMI with Mycoplasma species in dairy cows. The sensitivity and specificity of the MMA were high, 91% and 88%, respectively, suggesting its usefulness as a routine test for accurate and rapid diagnosis of Mycoplasma species IMI in dairy cows. MMA holds promise for enhancing the detection of Mycoplasma species and could potentially revolutionize diagnostic practices in the dairy industry and improve udder health management. This research has been presented 64th NMC Annual Meeting and published in Journal of Dairy Research, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022029925101672

Michigan State University

Members: Pamela Ruegg

Contributors: Zelmar Rodriguez

We have been conducting an efficacy trial on an alternative post milking teat disinfectant for the prevention of new intramammary infections. As the product contains a lower iodine concentration, if as effective as the standard disinfectant, it could reduce chemical exposure, lower costs, and decrease environmental impact.

Much of the MSU team’s work is focused on optimizing antimicrobial usage on dairy farms and emphasizes development of preventive practices.  IN FY25, we completed a qualitative study that used focus groups to identify interventions that potentially reduce exposure of farm workers to potentially resistant bacteria and evaluated the impact of training dairy farm workers on indicators of udder health.  As part of our continued development of benchmarks for antimicrobial usage, we completed data collection for a study comparing quantification of antimicrobial usage using inventories of drug packaging to summarization using farm records. 

University of Minnesota

Members: S. Godden, L. Caixeta, N. Noyes, Erin Royster

Management Of Organic Dairy Youngstock (MOODY): A network to improve long-term sustainability of organic dairy farms through improved youngstock management. Noyes, Caixeta, Godden (Co-PI), Knauer, Barlow, Lombard, Machado, McConnel.  USDA-OREI. 09/2024 – 08/2028. This project will increase knowledge about beneficial youngstock management practices on U.S. organic dairy farms. In addition to general management, we are particularly interested in identifying best management practices to prevent Staph. aureus mastitis infection in replacement heifers on organic dairies. To achieve this, we will:

1. Conduct a national survey of organic producers describing youngstock management practices. This is to be conducted from late 2025 through 2026.
2. Conduct an on-farm study in up to 10 selected herds in each of the 5 participating regions. Quarterly on-farm visits from selected herds, for the purpose of surveying producer practices, records, plus sample collection, were initiated in late summer, 2025, and will continue until summer 2026.

Relationships between method of processing and presence of mastitis and non-mastitis pathogens in ready-to-use recycled manure solids bedding on Midwest dairy farms. F. Peña-Mosca, S. Godden, E. Royster, D. Albrecht, S. Wells, B.A. Crooker and N. Aulik.  This study investigated associations between recycled manure solids (RMS) processing systems, used alone or in combination, on the presence of important pathogens affecting dairy cattle health. Our results showed that when used as a stand-alone processing technique, anaerobic digestion or secondary processing methods (e.g. composting or drying) reduced the counts of mastitis pathogens and reduced, and reduced, but did not completely eliminate the risk of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis and Salmonella spp. in ready-to-use recycled RMS samples. However, combining anaerobic digestion with a secondary processing method led to the greatest reduction in mastitis pathogen counts and completely eliminated Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis and Salmonella spp. in RMS samples. Further research is needed to confirm these findings, to assess cost-benefit, and to examine how different processing system combinations may influence the presence of other pathogens significant to animal health. The results of this study have been published (see publication list).

Methods of processing recycled manure solids bedding on Midwest dairy farms II: Relationships between bedding characteristics and bedding bacterial count. F. Peña-Mosca,  S. Godden, E. Royster, B.A. Crooker, and J. Timmerman.  The first objective of this study was to identify bedding characteristics associated with bedding bacterial count (BBC) in ready to use (RTU) recycled manure solids (RMS). The second objective was to explore the association between processing method and bedding characteristics in RTU solids. A third objective was to investigate factors associated with BBC in used solids (after placed in stalls). This observational study recruited 29 premises in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Farms were visited twice, once in August of 2019 and again in January of 2020. At each visit the herd manager/owner completed a questionnaire describing facilities, bedding and manure management, and mastitis control practices. Additionally, pre-processed RTU and used bedding samples were collected for determination of BBC (coliforms, Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus or Streptococcus-like organisms and Staphylococcus spp.) and bedding characteristics (dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), water soluble carbohydrates, total nitrogen, soluble nitrogen and pH). Mixed linear regression showed that increased DM, decreased OM and RMS processing method were all associated with reduced BBC in RTU RMS samples. Processing method for RMS was associated with DM, total nitrogen and soluble nitrogen, but not other characteristics in RTU RMS samples. Low BBC in RTU solids, decreased OM in RTU solids, and use of deep bedding systems were associated with lower BBC in used RMS. Implications for these findings are that producers should strive to put clean and high DM fresh (RTU) bedding into stalls. Monitoring BBC and DM in RTU solids may be of value for producers using RMS bedding.

Milk yield before dry-off: implications for postpartum udder health and dry period behavior in dairy cows. Caixeta, Florentino, Leonard. Data collection for this multistate observational study is complete, resulting in a robust dataset of over 5,000 cows used to reassess current dry-off milk yield recommendations. Our analysis investigated the association between milk yield at dry-off and subsequent cow outcomes, demonstrating that production levels had only a small effect on behavior immediately following the cessation of milking. Furthermore, regarding postpartum udder health, we observed that the risk of clinical mastitis during the first 90 days in milk did not increase until cows were producing more than 40 kg of milk at dry-off. This threshold represents a 2.5-fold increase compared to current industry recommendations.

Comparison of the effectiveness of Bovilis J5 with two other commercially available vaccines labeled against coliform mastitis. Nydam (Cornell), Caixeta. This study evaluated the comparative effectiveness of three commercially available vaccines—Bovilis J5, Endovac-Dairy, and J-VAC—labeled for protection against coliform mastitis in dairy cows. Conducted as a clinical trial across commercial dairy farms in Minnesota and New York, the project aimed to determine the impact of these different vaccination protocols on clinical mastitis outcomes. The work is a collaborative effort with researchers from Cornell University, with our team leading the on-farm enrollment and field activities. We have successfully completed the data collection phase of the trial. Currently, the project is in the data analysis stage to assess the final efficacy of these protocols.

University of Missouri

Members: Pamela Adkins, John Middleton                                                                       

In FY25, the MU team worked on an ongoing study evaluating if quarters challenged with Staphylococcus chromogenes can be protected from Staphylococcus aureus.  This study is being done using a teat dip challenge model.

The Ohio State University

Members: B. Enger

Contributors: K. Enger

A study was conducted and completed to examine if feeding trace metal chelates reduces the severity of mastitis compared to cows fed sulfate bound metals.  Feeding chelate bound trace metals did not meaningfully reduce milk production losses nor most indicators of mammary gland epithelium barrier function. The results of the study are currently under review for publication.

Rutgers University; New Jersey Agricultural Experiment

Member: Jeffrey Boyd

Contributors: Gustavo Rios-Delgado, Nupur Tyagi, Hannah Bovermann, Liangyu Lyu, Franklin Roman-Rodriguez      

We have been assessing the activities of compounds that could be applied to decrease staphylococcal burden. We have discovered that the addition of copper ions to cells causes protein aggregation.  We also discovered that adding the FDA-approved drug rafoxanide, which is an inhibitor of the protein homeostasis machinery, greatly increased the sensitivity of staphylococci to copper ions.

South Dakota State University

Members: T. Swartz

In collaboration with Michigan State University, we have conducted one study looking at the effects of a feed additive (direct-fed microbial) on inflammation during an intramammary lipopolysaccharide challenge. Results suggest that the feed additive had limited impacts on mammary inflammation.

University of Vermont Agriculture Station

Members: John Barlow

We completed a literature review on antimicrobial resistance of mastitis pathogens of dairy cattle.

WORK PLANNED FOR THE COMING YEAR, LISTED BY OBJECTIVE:

OBJECTIVE 1

Long Island University

Members: Y. Mahmmod

We will work on drafting the findings from the completed research project on association of subclinical intramammary infections and hygiene and characteristics of teat, udder and cow in Connecticut dairy herds to be published in scientific peer reviewed journal.

The Ohio State University

Members: B. Enger

A study will investigate how mastitis alters neutrophil production and maturation, seeking to map neutrophil dynamics during endotoxin induced mastitis.

South Dakota State

Finish/Publish the work outlined in objectives 1 and 3. We also have a study underway that is looking at the effects of mycotoxins during an intramammary challenge to determine if mycotoxins in the diet are increasing the susceptibility to mastitis pathogens in lactating cows.

Utah State University

Members: David Wilson                      

Work during the FY year 2025 - 26 will be determined by some key personnel changes at Utah State University.  Dr. Dave Wilson will retire during summer 2026 and Dr. Chloe Stenkamp-Strahm, Extension Veterinarian and faculty member at USU has been designated as the new NE-2248 Technical Member (formerly known as Station Head) for Utah.  She has been working on several aspects of dairy cattle health and welfare since starting at USU in August of 2025. Aspects of her work include characterizing the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, a virus that has only recently been determined to cause clinical mastitis in cows.

OBJECTIVE 2

Cornell University

Members: Quinn Kolar, Matthias Wieland, Amy Vasquez , Cassie Guarino

Contributors: Mike Zurakowski, Gloria Gioia

The Guarino led team will work to implement the IR-Biotyper for characterizing mastitis pathogens, including further evaluation of Streptococcus spp. associated with mastitis. We aim to improve the current classifier by incorporating susceptibility testing results into the classification algorithm. In addition to continued improvement of classifiers to characterize individual isolates, the Cornell team will evaluate the use of the instrument for mastitis outbreak investigations, monitoring for predominant strain types in specific outbreak situations. We look forward to collaborating with other groups in the future to further expand the scope of this work.

Hill Farm Research Station, LSU AgCenter

Member: William E. Owens

Continuation of outreach activities.

Long Island University

Members: Y. Mahmmod

Dr. Mahmmod and his research team will continue the farm visits for milk sample and data collection from the dairy cattle herds in Long Island. After that, we will carry out the microbiological examination including pathogen isolation and identification then characterization profiling.

Michigan State University

Members: Pamela Ruegg

Contributors: Zelmar Rodriguez

Dr. Ruegg teams will be performing a study evaluating the use of NSAID on fecal shedding of antibiotic-resistant bacteria after treatment with dry cow antibiotics. 

Dr. Rodriguez is leading a project to characterize pathogen-specific new subclinical IMI, describe their progression over time, and identify the cow- and quarter-level factors associated with these infection patterns.

University of Missouri

Members: Pamela Adkins, John Middleton

The MU group will complete the Staphylococcus chromogenes challenge study and evaluate the strain level impacts on udder health.

The MU group will complete the Staphylococcus saprophyticus study evaluating isolate antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors among isolates of dairy origin.

The MU group plans to evaluate strain variability among Prototheca isolates collected from quarter level milk samples.

University of Vermont Agriculture Station

Members: John Barlow

The Barlow lab will continue to explore the use of molecular epidemiological methods to understand mastitis pathogen epidemiology with a focus on Staphylococcus species genomics.  

OBJECTIVE 3

Cornell University

Members: Quinn Kolar, Matthias Wieland, Amy Vasquez , Cassie Guarino

Contributors: Mike Zurakowski, Gloria Gioia

Vasquez Lab: Will study the impact of dry-off procedures on fresh cow outcomes, and will complete a publication of invited review on teat disinfectant efficacy studies

Wieland Lab: Dr. Wieland’s team will perform a study evaluating the impact of individual quarter dry-off on pain and stress.

Long Island University

Members: Y. Mahmmod

Dr. Mahmmod and his research collaborators are going to conduct a large-scale project for validation of the novel molecular microarray assay (MMA) for detection of contagious mastitis pathogens in diary herds. We are going also to develop different Bayesian laten class models for diagnostic test evaluation of MMA in comparison to conventional mastitis diagnostics and indicators. 

Michigan State University

Members: Pamela Ruegg

Contributors: Zelmar Rodriguez

Dr. Ruegg’s team is completing a survey of dairy veterinarians and dairy producers in WI and MI relative to beliefs, knowledge and practices about antimicrobial usage. 

Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Ruegg will be completing data analysis of the efficacy trial on an alternative post milking teat disinfectant. 

University of Minnesota

Members: S. Godden, L. Caixeta, N. Noyes, Erin Royster

Management Of Organic Dairy Youngstock (MOODY): A network to improve long-term sustainability of organic dairy farms through improved youngstock management. Noyes, Caixeta, Godden (Co-PI), Knauer, Barlow, Lombard, Machado, McConnel.  USDA-OREI. 09/2024 – 08/2028. This project will increase knowledge about beneficial youngstock management practices on U.S. organic dairy farms. In addition to general management, we are particularly interested in identifying best management practices to prevent Staph. aureus mastitis infection in replacement heifers on organic dairies. In the coming year we will:

1. Conduct a national survey of organic producers describing youngstock management practices.
2. Continue conducting quarterly visits of up to 10 selected herds in each of the 5 participating regions. Quarterly on-farm visits from selected herds, for the purpose of surveying producer practices, records, plus sample collection.

Mycoplasma PCR Validation Study. E. Royster, S. Godden, J. Timmerman, H. Naikare, M. Pieters, T. Otterson, F. Laabouri. The objective of this study is to validate and compare commercial PCR kits for detection of Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma species in milk samples.  We are currently banking clinical samples received by the UMN Vet Diagnostic Laboratory for Udder Health for testing in 2026. If study results show one or more PCR kits to be accurate and cost-effective, PCR testing would offer faster results than traditional culture for Mycoplasma mastitis diagnosis.   

Rutgers University; New Jersey Agricultural Experiment

Member: Jeffrey Boyd

Contributors: Gustavo Rios-Delgado, Nupur Tyagi, Hannah Bovermann, Liangyu Lyu, Franklin Roman-Rodriguez

We have acquired numerous chemically synthesized inhibitors of the protein homeostasis machinery from our collaborator, Steven Johnson, at the Indiana School of Medicine. Next year, we will screen these compounds to determine which ones synergize with copper ions and identify the most potent ones.  We will ensure that the chemicals are on target (the target is GroEL/EL) by monitoring the ability of a mutated form of green fluorescent protein to fold in vivo when chemicals are present. Lastly, we hope to combine copper ions and a protein homeostasis inhibitor in silica nano particles and test their applicability.

University of Vermont Agriculture Station

Members: John Barlow

The Barlow lab will continue studies characterizing the teat skin microbiome and exploring the teat skin microbiota as a source of inhibitors of major mastitis pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. We will also complete a survey of veterinarians on perceptions of antimicrobial drug use and antimicrobial resistance on dairy farms.

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Literature

Works representing collaborations between multiple member institutions

Minnesota and Cornell

1. Peña-Mosca, F., Nydam, D.V., Caixeta, L.S., Couto Serrenho, R., Thomas, M.; Saila, S., Bork, O., Stangaferro. M. “Evaluation of an automated on-farm device for the identification of bacteria associated with clinical mastitis in United States.” Bovine Practitioner. 2025. 59(2), 26-31. https://doi.org/10.21423/bpj20259258
2. Rowe, S.M., E. Zhang, S.M. Godden, A.K. Vasquez, and D.V. Nydam. 2025. Comparison of a machine learning model with a conventional rule-based selective dry cow therapy algorithm for detection of intramammary infections. J Dairy Sci 108:760-772 https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25418
3. Rowe, S., S. Godden, A. Vasquez, and D.V. Nydam. 2025. A Practitioner’s Guide to Selective Dry Cow Therapy. Veterinary Clinics of North America – Food Animal Practice. Mastitis. Elsevier Press, Inc. 41:209-222 July 2025 https://www.vetfood.theclinics.com/article/S0749-0720(25)00017-9/fulltext

Cornell, Michigan and South Dakota State

4. Kolar, Q. K., K. C. Krogstad, T. H. Swartz, L. K. Mamedova, V. Mavangira, I. Yoon, B. J. Bradford, and P. L. Ruegg. "Effect of dietary supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on clinical outcomes in dairy cows during challenge with Streptococcus uberis." Journal of Dairy Science (2025).

Michigan and Cornell

5. Kolar, Q., S. Godden, R. Erskine, and P.L. Ruegg.   SHORT COMMUNICATION:  Confirmed bacteriological diagnosis and clearance of non-severe Gram-positive clinical mastitis cases enrolled in a randomized clinical trial using an on-farm culture program.  J Dairy Sci Comm.  5:628-633   https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2024-0560
6. Kolar, Q.K., J. L. Goncalves, R. J. Erskine, and P.L. Ruegg.   Comparison of minimum inhibitory concentrations of selected antimicrobials for non-aureus Staphylococci, Enterococci, Lactococci, and Streptococci isolated from milk samples of cows with clinical mastitis. Antibiotics 13,91.  https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13010091 

Michigan and Missouri

7. Ruegg, P.L. and P.R.F. Adkins.   Mastitis in Dairy Cows.  in Production Diseases of Farm Animals:  Pathophysiology, Prophylaxis and Health Management.  J. J. Gross editor.   Springer Nature.  ISBN: 978-3-031-51787-7..  pp 339- 365 https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-51788-4_15#DOI 

Missouri and Vermont

8. Jeffrey CE, Adkins PRF, Dufour S, Barlow JW.   Staphylococci and mammaliicocci: which species are important for udder health on organic dairy farms. J Dairy Sci. 108 (2): 1807-1823 https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25320

Works from member institutions

Cornell University

9. Wieland M, Paulrud C, Kakoulis K, Spellman M, Somula H, Sing A. An observational study investigating the association of teat condition with clinical mastitis risk. J Dairy Sci, 2025,108(12):13654-13666
10. Singh A, Somula H, Wieland M. A retrospective cohort study investigating the association of postcalving intramammary infection and milk yield, somatic cell count, clinical mastitis, and culling risk in first-lactation dairy cows. J Dairy Sci, 2025, 108(4):4234-4247
11. Spellman M, Geary CM, Somula H, Singh A, Wieland M. The association between teat shape and clinical mastitis. J Dairy Sci, 2025, 108(1):773-780

Long Island University

12. Mahmmod Y, Smit N, Klapproth H, Chaffer M, Zvonar M. Diagnostic performance of a novel molecular microarray assay for detection of bovine intramammary infections with Mycoplasma species using a gold standard approach. J Dairy Res. 2025 Nov 17:1-5. doi: 10.1017/S0022029925101672.
13. Tartor YH, Enany ME, Ismail NI, El-Demerdash AS, Eidaroos NH, Algendy RM, Mahmmod Y, Elsohaby I. Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus endangers Egyptian dairy herds. Sci Rep. 2024 Dec 23;14(1):30606. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-81516-6.

Michigan State University

14. Ruegg, P.L. 2025. Making economically efficient treatment decisions for clinical mastitis. Veterinary Clinics of North America, Food Animal Practice.  Mastitis in Ruminants.  2025 Apr 4:S0749-0720(25)00015-5.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2025.02.003 
15. Hoang,T.A.P. C.Robison, and P.L. Ruegg. Evaluation of in-vitro inhibitory activity of extracts of garlic, ginger and onion against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from milk of dairy cows.  Veterinary Sciences, 12,947 https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12100947
16. Steinberger, A.J., J.L. De Campos, A.E. Kates, T.L. Goldberg, P.L. Ruegg, N. Safdar, A.K. Sethi, J.M. Shutske, G. Suen. 2025. Assessing the impacts of dairy farm antimicrobial use on the bovine fecal microbiome. Animals 15:1735 https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15121735 
17. De Souza Ferreira, L., T. Showemimo, L.B. Juliano, Z. Rodriguez, and P.L. Ruegg. Use of MALDI-TOF to identify cryopreserved mastitis pathogens collected from 2003 – 2011 that were originally identified using conventional microbiological methods.  J Dairy Sci Comm.  6:422-426. https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2024-0711 
18. Wilson, D.J., E.M. Parker, R. Portillo-Gonzalez, P.L. Ruegg and G. G. Habing. A focus group study exploring necessary competencies and contextual factors for effective antimicrobial stewardship on dairy farms.  J Dairy Science, 108:5182-5192.  https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25302 
19. Rodriguez, Z.; A. O’Connor; B.J. Bradford; C Picasso-Risso. 2025. Characterization and health, productivity, and economic effects of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science 108:6349–6358. doi:10.3168/jds.2025-2637
20. Chao, O., Shutske, E. Gonzalez, D. Veeser, E. Diaz Vallejo, A. Sethi, T. Goldberg, A. Kates, M.J. Knobloch, J. Leite de Campos, P. Ruegg, N. Safdar,  A. Steinberger, G. Suen, and A. Young.  2025.  Development and Evaluation of an Intervention to Reduce Occupational Health Risk from Antibiotic Resistant Pathogens Among Dairy Farm Workers.   J Agricultural Safety and Health,.  31:31-45.  https://doi.org/10.13031/jash.16158 
21. Rodriguez, Z., M. Lopez-Benavides, M. B. Gentilini, and P. L. Ruegg. Impact of training Dairy personnel on milking routine compliance, udder health and milk quality.   J Dairy Science 108:1615-1624.  https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25609   
22. Leite de Campos, J., A. Kates, A. Steinberger, A. Sethi, G. Suen, J. Shutske, N. Safdar, T. Goldberg, and P.L. Ruegg. SHORT COMMUNICATION: Variation in Partial Direct Costs of dry cow therapy on 37 large dairy herds.  J. Dairy Sci Comm.  5:639-643.     https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2024-0568 
23. Vasco, K., Z.A. Hansen, A. L. Schilmiller, B.Bowcutt, S. L. Carbonell, P.L. Ruegg, Robert A. Quinn, L. Zhang, and S. Manning. 2024. Untargeted metabolomics and metagenomics reveal signatures for intramammary ceftiofur treatment and lactation stage in the cattle hindgut Frontiers Molecular Biosciences, 2024 May 21:11:1364637. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2024.1364637
24. Rodriguez, Z., V. E. Cabrera, H. Hogeveen, and P.L. Ruegg. Economic impact of treatment of subclinical mastitis in early lactation using intramammary nisin.  J Dairy Sci. 107:4634-4645 https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2023-24311  

University of Minnesota

25. Peña-Mosca, F., M. Ruch, M. Mahmoud, S. Godden, E. Royster, B. Boyum, S. Rowe, and L. Caixeta. Negatively controlled trial investigating the effect of dry cow therapy in first-lactation dairy cows on the prevalence of intramammary infections in the subsequent lactation. JDSci Accepted 11/7/2025
26. Peña-Mosca, F., S. Godden, E. Royster, D. Albrecht, S. Wells, B. Crooker, and N. Aulik. 2025. Relationships between method of processing and presence of mastitis and non-mastitis pathogens in ready-to-use recycled manure solids bedding on Midwest dairy farms. JDSci Communications. In press. https:// doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2025-0754
27. Dean, C.J., Deng, Y., Wehri, T.C., Pena Mosca, F., Ray, T., Crooker, B.A., Godden, S.M., Caixeta, L.S., Noyes, N.R. The impact of kit, environmental and sampling contamination on the observed microbiome of bovine milk. mSystems 9:e01158-23 2024. https://doi.org/10.1128/msystems.01158-23
28. Florentino, C.C. &, F. Peña-Mosca, M. Ruch, E. Shepley, M. Barbosa, D. Moreira, M. Mahmoud, L. Tikosky, W. Knauer, G. Cramer, S. Godden, L. Caixeta. 2024. Randomized clinical trial evaluating the effects of administering acidogenic boluses at dry-off on udder health, milk yield, and herd removal. J. Dairy Sci. 107:3899–3915 https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2023-23757
29. Dean, C. &, F. Peña-Mosca, T. Ray, T. Wehri, K. Sharpe, A. Antunes Jr, E. Doster, L. Fernandes, V. Calles, C. Bauman, S. Godden, B. Heins, P. Pinedo, V. Machado, L. Caixeta, and N. Noyes. 2024. Exploring associations between the teat apex metagenome and Staphylococcus aureus intramammary infection risk in primiparous cows under organic directives. AppEnvirMicro 90:1-23 https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.02234-23
30. Peña-Mosca, F. &, S. Godden, E. Royster, B.A. Crooker, and J. Timmerman. 2024. Methods of processing recycled manure solids bedding on Midwest dairy farms II: Relationships between bedding characteristics and bedding bacteria count. Bov Pract. 58:8-18
31. Peña-Mosca, F., Gaire, T.N., Dean, C. J., Frem, P., Manriquez, D., Pablo, P., Noyes, N.R., Caixeta, L.S. “Exploring the phylogenetic diversity and antimicrobial activity of non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci isolated from teat apices of organic dairy cows.” Frontiers in Microbiology. Volume 16 – 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1614488
32. Dean, C.J., Peña-Mosca, F., Wehri, T.J., Ray, T., Sharpe, K., Antunes Jr., A.M., Doster, E., Fernandes, L., Calles, V.F., Bauman, C., Heins, B., Pinedo, P.J., Machado, V.S., Caixeta, L.S., Noyes, N.R. “The teat skin microbiota of organic primiparous dairy cows is dynamic during the transition period” Preventive Veterinary Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106402
33. Godden, S., and E. Royster. 2025. Bedding Management with a View to Promoting Udder Health. Chapter in Veterinary Clinics of North America – Food Animal Practice. Mastitis. Elsevier Press, Inc. Vet Clin Food Anim - (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2025.02.007

University of Missouri

34. Novo AI, Middleton JR, Poock SE, Adkins PRF. Evaluation of intramammary infection status in dairy heifers using cisternal and teat end sampling techniques.  J Dairy Sci.  108 (8): 8819-8830.
35. Kurban D, Cia Z, Roy JP, DeVries TJ, Ronholm J, Adkins PRF, Middleton JR, Keefe GP, France A, and Dufour S. Dynamics and impacts of staphylococcal intramammary infection during dairy cows’ non-lactating periods.  J Dairy Sci.  108 (10): 11317-11338.

The Ohio State University

36. Oliveira, M. X. S., C. S. Gammariello, P. H. Baker, S. K. Jacobi and B. D. Enger. 2025. Impact of intramammary infections on mammary gland development in pregnant dairy heifers during late gestation. J. Dairy Sci. 108:12650-12662. doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-26734.
37. Baker, P. H., L. M. Glendenning, M. X. S. Oliveira, B. A. Cobb, B. D. Enger and S. N. Langel. 2025. Pregnant dairy heifers express Influenza A virus receptors in the mammary gland. J Dairy Sci. In Press.
38. Enger, B. D., G. Hastings, C. S. Gammariello, M. X. S. Oliveira, and K. M. Enger. 2025. Repeated infusion of killed Staphylococcus aureus has increasingly negative effects on milk yield and composition. J. Dairy Sci. Comm. 6:444-447. doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2024-0718.

Rutgers University; New Jersey Agricultural Experiment

39. Boyd J.M., Esquilín-Lebrón K., Campbell C.J., Ryan Kaler K., Norambuena J., Foley M.E., Stephens T.G., Rios G., Mereddy G., Zheng V., Bovermann H., Kim J., Yang J.H., Greco T.M., Cristea I.M., Carabetta V.J., Beavers W.N., Bhattacharya D., Skaar E.P., Parker D., Carroll R.K., Stemmler T.L., Fpa (YlaN) is an iron(II) binding protein that functions to alleviate Fur-mediated repression of gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus. 10/2024 mBio PMID: 39440976
40. Pederick J.L. Vandborg B.C., George A., Bovermann H., Boyd J.M., Freundlich J.S., Bruning J.B. Identification of cysteine metabolism regulator (CymR)-derived pentapeptides as nanomolar inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus O-acetyl-ʟ-serine sulfhydrylase (CysK). 11/2024 ACS Infectious Disease PMID: 39705018
41. Sabo E., Nelson C., Tyagi N., Stark V., Aasman K., Morrison C., Boyd, J.M.*, Holz R.C.*, Practical Spectrophotometric Assay for the Cysteine Desulfurase SufS from Staphylococcus aureus, a Potential Antibiotic Target. 1/2025 Antibiotics (Basel). PMID: 40001373
42. Rios-Delgado G., McReynolds A.K.G., Pagella E.A., Norambuena J., Briaud P., Zheng V., Munneke M.J., Kim J., Racine H., Carroll R., Zelzion E., Skaar E., Bose J.L., Parker D., Lalaouna D., Boyd J.M. The Staphylococcus aureus non-coding RNA IsrR regulates TCA cycle activity and virulence. 2/2025 Nucleic Acids Research PMID: 39704109
43. Boyd J.M., Price E.E., Roman Rodriguez F., Burchat N., Norambuena J., DuMont A.L., Torres V.J., Sampath H., Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus with environmentally relevant concentrations of triclosan activates SaeRS-dependent virulence factor expression. 6/2025 Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. PMID: 40531055
44. Chen Y.T., Liu Z., Fucich D., Giulieri S.G., Liu Z., Wadhwa R., Rios G., Henschel H., Tyagi N., Olivier F.A.B., Monk I.R., Shaw S.S., Sridhar S.H., Drikic M., Bianco C., Lohia G., Beg A.Z., Planet P., Lewis I.A., Sebra R., Traven A., Hachani A., Stinear T.P., Howden B.P., Boyd J.M., Riquelme S.A., Wang C., Prince A., and Wong Fok Lung T., Regulation of airway fumarate promotes S. aureus pneumonia. 8/2025 Nature Communications. PMID: 40745169
45. Boyd J.M., Rios-Delgado G., Esquilín-Lebrón K., Ryan Kaler K., Mereddy G., Norambuena J., Zheng V., Beavers W.N., Kim J., Parker D., Skaar E.P., Carrol. R.K., Yang J.H. Fermentative growth decreases the iron demand of Staphylococcus aureus. 9/2025 Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. PMID: 41032936

South Dakota State University

46. Celemin Sarmiento, A., B. J. Bradford, L. K. Mamedova, G. Zhou, K. A. Estes, and T. H. Swartz*. 2025. Short Communication: Effects of dietary rumen-protected choline supplementation on genome-wide DNA methylation in mammary tissue from postpartum dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. Comm. 6:333-338. https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2024-0697

Utah State University

47. Wilson DJ, Goodell GM, Kelly T: Sodium percarbonate added to pasteurized milk for feeding to dairy calves and associated changes in Standard Plate Count over time. Adv Dairy Res 13:1:1-4, 2025
48. Wilson DJ, Goodell GM, Stott RD, Jenson J: Sodium percarbonate added to milk fed to Holstein and Jersey calves and associated outcomes of health, disease or mortality compared with feeding untreated milk. Submitted, in review.
49. Stenkamp-Strahm C, Melody B, McCluskey B, Brinson J, Lombard J. 2025. Influenza A Virus detection in Bulk Tank and Pen Level Milk from Dairies Affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1. Journal of Dairy Science. In Review October 2025. Preprint doi: 10.1101/2025.10.26.25338833
50. Stenkamp-Strahm C, McCluskey B, Melody B, Christensen B, Urie N, Amey N, Lomkin R, Campbell A, Lakdawala S, Lombard J. 2025. Dairy Environments with Milk Exposure are Most Likely to Have Detection of Influenza A Virus. Microorganisms. In Review December 2025.Preprint doi: 10.1101/2025.09.03.25335023. PMID: 40950443.

University of Vermont Agriculture Station

51. Machado De Sant’Anna, F., Chakrawarti, A., Haley, B., Barlow, J.W. (2025) “The resistome of pasteurized and raw milk cheeses from the state of Vermont” International Journal of Food Microbiology 441:111333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2025.111333
52. Barlow, J.W. (2025) “Antimicrobial Resistance of Mastitis Pathogens of Dairy Cattle” In Mastitis in Ruminants, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 41 (2): 223 -236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2025.02.00
53. Roadcap, E., Lichtenwalner, A., Kennedy-Wade, B., Adjapong, G., Chakrawarti, A., Machado De Sant’Anna, F., Barlow, J.W. (2025) "Whole Genome Sequencing Identifies Exotoxin and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Staphylococcus aureus from Maine Dairy Farms" BMC Veterinary Research 21:154 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-025-04630-1

Abstracts

Michigan State University

1. Bacigalupo Sanguesa, P., P.L. Ruegg, S. Manski, R. Thomson, B. Norby, and R.J. Erskine. Exploration of premilking behaviors :  Order of entrance to holding pen and of start of milking.  Meeting Am. Dairy Sci Assoc., June, 2025, Louisville KY.
2. Bacigalupo Sanguesa, P., P.L. Ruegg, S. Manski, R. Thomson, B. Norby, and R.J. Erskine. Associations of pre-milking experience with yield and milk ejection.  Meeting Am. Dairy Sci Assoc., June, 2025, Louisville KY.
3. Strickland, J.M., C. Robison, P.H. Esteves Trinidade, and P.L. Ruegg. Validating use of a 3D scanner for collection of dairy cow udder morphometric data. Ann. Meeting Am. Dairy Sci Assoc., June, 2025, Louisville KY.
4. Juliano, L.C. B, J. Strickland, L. D Souza, I. Buchanna, and P.L. Ruegg, Culling and milk yield characteristics of clinical mastitis cases from large dairy farms that use a no-lactational antibiotic treatment policy. Submitted for Ann. Meeting Am. Dairy Sci Assoc., June, 2025, Louisville KY.
5. Ferreira, L.L.S., T. Showemimo, L. C. B. Juliano, Z. Rodriguez and P.L. Ruegg.  Re-Identification of cryopreserved mastitis pathogens collected from 2003 – 2011 using Maldi-Tof.  64th Annual Meeting National Mastitis Council, Charlotte, NC Jan 2025
6. Strickland, J.M., J. L. de Campos, L. M Sordillo and P.L. Ruegg. The association of blood and milk biomarkers with udder sureface area in cows treated with Pegbovigrastim at dry off.  64th Annual Meeting National Mastitis Council, Charlotte, NC Jan 2025
7. Juliano, L.C.B., and P.L. Ruegg. Preliminary results of characteristics of mastitis occurring on large conventional dairy farms with no-lactational antibiotic treatment policy.  64th Annual Meeting National Mastitis Council, Charlotte, NC  Jan 2025.
8. Goncalves, J.L., Q.K. Kolar, R. Mani, S. Sreevatsan, and P.L. Ruegg. Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance in Lactococcus spp. isolated from cases of non-severe bovine clinical mastitis.  64th Annual Meeting National Mastitis Council, Charlotte, NC  Jan 2025.
9. Rodriguez, Z; I., Leadbetter, Plosky, A., Robison, C., Martinez, L., Juliano, L., Juarez, A., Marfil, M., Nguyen, U., Paperd, P., Stoutenburg, I., Jimenez, M., Buchanna, I., Summers, E., Wilson, K., Baugh, K., Ruegg, P.L. (2025). “Ongoing efficacy trial of a low-total high free-iodine post-milking teat disinfectant for prevention of new IMI”. Conf. Research Workers Animal Disease, Chicago IL.
10. Varghese, C. Picasso, P.H.E. Trindade, P.L. Ruegg, Z. Rodriguez (2025). “Deep Learning Model for Bacterial Colony Classification & Counting on Agar for Mastitis Diagnostics”. Dairy Continuing Education Day. College of Veterinary Medicine MSU.
11. Varghese, C. Picasso, P.H.E. Trindade, P.L. Ruegg, Z. Rodriguez (2025). “Deep Learning Model for Bacterial Colony Classification & Counting on Agar for Mastitis Diagnostics”. Dairy Continuing Education Day. College of Veterinary Medicine MSU.
12. Plosky, A., Robison, C., Martinez, L., Juliano, L., Juarez, A., Marfil, M., Nguyen, U., Paperd, P., Stoutenburg, I., Jimenez, M., Buchanna, I., Summers, E., Wilson, K., Baugh, K., Ruegg, P.L., Rodriguez, Z (2025). “Bacterial Etiology of Intramammary Infections Across Varying Degrees of Teat-End Hyperkeratosis in Dairy Cows”. Dairy Continuing Education Day. College of Veterinary Medicine MSU.
13. Marino, J. Marfil, R. Simmonds, P.L. Ruegg, Z. Rodriguez, C. Picasso-Risso (2025). “Modeling somatic cell counts in frozen milk samples through predictive adjustment based on storage conditions”. Phi Zeta Research Day. College of Veterinary Medicine MSU
14. Varghese, C. Picasso, P.H.E. Trindade, P.L. Ruegg, Z. Rodriguez (2025). “Deep Learning Model for Bacterial Colony Classification & Counting on Agar for Mastitis Diagnostics”. Phi Zeta Research Day. College of Veterinary Medicine, MSU.
15. Plosky, A., Robison, C., Martinez, L., Juliano, L., Juarez, A., Marfil, M., Nguyen, U., Paperd, P., Stoutenburg, I., Jimenez, M., Buchanna, I., Summers, E., Wilson, K., Baugh, K., Ruegg, P.L., Rodriguez, Z (2025). “Bacterial Etiology of Intramammary Infections Across Varying Degrees of Teat-End Hyperkeratosis in Dairy Cows”. Phi Zeta Research Day, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University.

University of Minnesota

16. Peña-Mosca, F., Avondet-Benzano, P., Rivera J., Midla, L., Tomazi, T., Florentino, C.C., Caixeta, L.S., Nydam, D.V. “Evaluating the diagnostic utility of on-farm culture for mastitis pathogen group identification on commercial dairy farms.” 58th Annual Conference of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Omaha, NE. September 2025.
17. Leonard, E., Wang, S., Crooker, B., Dow, S., Caixeta, L.S., “Using flow cytometry to compare immune cell populations between first lactation dairy cows that did or did not receive immunotherapy at dry-off.” ADSA Conference. Louisville, KY. June 2025.
18. Bonsaglia, E.C.R., Peña-Mosca, F., Rall, V.L.M., Santos, M.V., Lang, K.S., Noyes, N.R., Caixeta, L.S., “Antimicrobial Potential and Genomic Characterization of Bacillus spp. Isolated from Gauze Collected from Teat Skin of Dairy Cows Against Staphylococcus aureus.” ADSA Conference. Louisville, KY. June 2025.
19. Leonard, E., Florentino, C., Ruch, M., Pereira, A., Caixeta , L.S. “Exploratory analysis characterizing the association between late-lactation milk yield or somatic cell count and rectal temperature after dry-off in dairy cows.” ADSA Conference. Louisville, KY. June 2025.
20. Bonsaglia, E.C.R., Peña-Mosca, P., Silva, A.W.S., Gaire, T., Rall, V.L.M., Santos, M.V., Lang, K., Noyes, N.R., Caixeta, L.S. “The inhibitory potential of non – aureus staphylococci isolated from the teat skin of dairy cows against Staphylococcus aureus: a pilot study.” 64th National Mastitis Council Annual Meeting. Charlotte, NC. January 2025.

University of Missouri

21. Byrd B and Adkins PRF. Validating mammary tissue aspirate samples for diagnosis of intramammary infection in dry dairy cattle. Veterinary Scholars Symposium, Spokane, Washington. Aug 7-9, 2025
22. Bakar MA and Adkins PRF. Characterization of virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance among Staphylococcus aureus isolates of dairy origin.  Veterinary Scholars Symposium, Spokane, Washington. Aug 7-9, 2025
23. Adebayo KS and Adkins PRF†. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) profiles of Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolates of dairy origin.  Veterinary Scholars Symposium, Spokane, Washington. Aug 7-9, 2025
24. Adesola RO, Adkins PRF, and Barlow JW. Evaluation of strain typing methods used for Staphylococcus chromogenes isolates from dairy farms in the United States. Proceedings of the 64th Annual Meeting of the National Mastitis Council,Charlote NC, Jan 27-30, 2025.
25. Adkins PRF and Byrd B. Induced Staphylococcus chromogenes teat end colonization in dairy heifers. Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases. Chicago, IL. Jan 19-21, 2025.

The Ohio State University

26. Oliveria, M. X. S., K. M. Enger, and B. D. Enger. 2025. Influence of intramammary infection and gestational stage on collagen abundance in the mammary gland of primigravid heifers. J. Dairy Sci 108: (Suppl. 1):383.
27. Baker, P. H., L. M. Glendenning, M. X. S. Oliveira, B. A. Cobb, B. D. Enger, and S. N. Langel. 2025. Influenza A virus sialic acid receptor distribution in the bovine mammary gland across physiological states. J. Dairy Sci 108: (Suppl. 1):211.
28. Montgomery, K.R., A.E. Relling, M.X.S. Oliveira, K.M. Enger, S. Wellert, J.E. Coplin, and B.D. Enger 2025. Effect of trace mineral supplement form on mastitis outcomes. J. Dairy Sci 108: (Suppl. 1):195.
29. Oliveira, M.X.S. and B.D. Enger. 2025. Impact of intramammary infection and gestational stage on mammary epithelial cell apoptosis in primigravid dairy heifers. Pages 142-143 in Natl. Mastitis Counc. Annu. Mtg. Proc., Charlotte NC, Natl. Mastitis Council Inc., New Prague, MN.
30. Enger, B.D., M.X.S. Oliveira, P.H. Baker, and K.M. Enger. 2025. Intramammary infection induces mammary epithelial cell death in heifer mammary glands during late gestation. Page 129 in Conf. of Res. Workers in Animal Dis. Proc.

South Dakota State University

31. Reyes, O. D., H. L. Reisinger, I. Brown-Crowder, L. K. Mamedova, T. H. Swartz, and B. J. Bradford. Effects of feeding a Bacillus subtilis (PB6) product on productive performance, metabolic and immunological responses during an intramammary lipopolysaccharide challenge on mid-lactation cows. American Dairy Science Association. Louisville, KY. June 22-25, 2025.
32. Reisinger, H. L., O. D. Reyes, L. K. Mamedova, I. E. Brown-Crowder, T. H. Swartz, and B. J. Bradford. The effects of dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis PB6 to mid-lactation dairy cows on neutrophil response following ex vivo bacterial stimulation. American Dairy Science Association. Louisville, KY. June 22-25, 2025.
33. Celemin Sarmiento, A., Bulnes, M., C. Chase, and T. H. Swartz. Effects of systemic inflammation on performance, metabolism, and immune responses during an intramammary Streptococcus uberis challenge in postpartum dairy cattle. American Dairy Science Association. Louisville, KY. June 22-25, 2025.
34. Celemin Sarmiento, A., M. Bulnes, S. Dilberger-Lawson, C. Chase, and T. H. Swartz. Effects of systemic inflammation on inflammatory mediators during an intramammary Streptococcus uberis challenge in postpartum dairy cattle. American Dairy Science Association. Louisville, KY. June 22-25, 2025.
35. Bulnes, M., A. Celemin Sarmiento, T. H. Swartz, and M. E. Uddin. Rumen-derived microbial product supplementation: Effects on feed sorting behavior in dairy cows. American Dairy Science Association. Louisville, KY. June 22-25, 2025.

University of Vermont Agriculture Station

36. Barlow, J., Adrian, R., Chakrawarti, A., Jeffrey, C.E., Mugabi R, Ochoa, A., Machado de Sant’Anna, F., Munk, P. 2025. Case Study: Genetic characterization of methicillin and lincosamide resistant Mammaliicoccus fleurettii isolated from cattle and humans on a Vermont organic dairy farm. Northeast Branch American Society for Microbiology Regional Meeting, Worchester. MA.
37. Machado de Sant'Anna, F., Barlow, J. 2025. Challenges in Detecting and Analyzing ARGs in Cheese: Insights from resistome profiling and methodological comparisons. Northeast Branch American Society for Microbiology Regional Meeting, Worchester. MA.
38. Rai, S. Barlow, J. 2025. Constructing a Bacterial Mock Community Tailored for Teat Skin Microbiome of Dairy Cows. Northeast Branch American Society for Microbiology Regional Meeting, Worchester. MA.
39. Onoh, C.N., Jeffrey, C., Adkins, P., Barlow, J.W. 2025 Comparison of Strain Typing Methods for Staphylococcus chromogenes isolates from Dairy Cattle with Intramammary Infections. Northeast Branch American Society for Microbiology Regional Meeting, Worchester. MA.

Conference Proceedings

Cornell University

1. Vasquez A. 2025. In the Parlor: Practical checks to improve milkout and udder health. Annual New York State Veterinary Conference, Ithaca, NY Oct 10.
2. Vasquez A. 2025. Udderly selective: smarter mastitis treatment strategies. Annual New York State Veterinary Conference, Ithaca, NY Oct 10.
3. Vasquez A. 2025. From teat to tank: troubleshooting high bacterial counts. Annual New York State Veterinary Conference, Ithaca, NY Oct 10.
4. Vasquez A. 2025. Drying off differently: the power of selective dry cow therapy. Annual New York State Veterinary Conference, Ithaca, NY Oct 10.

Long Island University

5. Mahmmod Y, Smit N, Klapproth H, Chaffer M, Zvonar M. Diagnostic Performance of a Novel Molecular Microarray Assay for Diagnosis of Bovine Intramammary Infections with Mycoplasma Species.  64th Annual Meeting National Mastitis Council, Charlotte, NC Jan 2025.

Michigan State University

6. Ruegg, P.L. 2025. Mastitis:  Evidence based treatment of non-severe clinical mastitis. The disease, the Aetiology and the pathogens.  In Proc. Of Cattle Association of Vet. Ireland., Kerry Ireland, Oct 3-5, 2025
7. Ruegg, P.L., 2025. Monitoring, managing and making economically efficient decisions about antibiotic usage on dairy farms.  In Proc. 58th Ann. Conf. Am. Assoc. Bov. Omaha NE,  Sept 11-13, 2025
8. Ruegg, P.L., 2025. State of the Art:  Evidence based treatment of clinical mastitis in dairy cows.  In Proc. Am. College Vet Int. Med.  Louisville, TN, June, 17-18, 2025.
9. Ruegg, P.L., 2025. State of the Art:  Treatment of subclinical mastitis.  In Proc. Am. College Vet Int. Med.  Louisville, TN, June, 17-18, 2025. 

University of Minnesota

10. Bedding management research: What’s next? NE2248 / Mastitis Research Workers Annu. Mtg. Charlotte, NC. Jan 30-31, 2025.
11. Approaches to recycling sand and manure solids bedding with a view to improving udder health. 64th Annu Mtg of the National Mastitis Council. Charlotte, NC. Jan 27-30, 2025
12. Approaches to recycling sand and manure solids bedding with a view to improving udder health. IBA Region V Mini-Regional Meeting. Bloomington, MN 4/8/2025
13. Bedding selection and management: An important determinant in producing quality milk. WI Assoc. of Dairy Plant Field Representatives. 2025 Winter Dairy Education Conference. Middleton, WI 2/4/2025
14. Antimicrobial Use: How much are you spending to control mastitis? GPS Dairy Leaders Forum. Prior Lake, MN 12/4/2024
15. Caixeta, L.S. “Dry-off strategies in the high-producing era boosting health and the bottom line.” BIAH Canada Dairy Advisory Board Meeting. Webinar. October 29th, 2025.
16. Caixeta, L.S. and Vlietstra, C. “Challenges of drying off high-producing cows: what does the research tell us?” National Mastitis Council Pre-conference Short-course. Charlotte, NC. January 27th, 2025
17. Caixeta, L.S. “Manejo do período seco e seus impactos na saúde dos cascos e da glândula mamária” and “Manejo da transição para prevenção de doenças metabólicas e seus impactos em saúde, reprodução e produção”. Elanco Dairy Summit 2024. Ponta Grossa, Brazil and Patos de Minas, Brazil, October., 2024.

The Ohio State University

18. Enger, B.D. and M.X.S. Oliveria. 2025. Mammary development and mastitis risk in pregnant heifers. Pages 53-60 in Natl. Mastitis Counc. Annu. Mtg. Proc., Charlotte NC, Natl. Mastitis Council Inc., New Prague, MN.

Utah State University

19. Wilson DJ, Stott RS, Goodell GM, Jenson J: Sodium percarbonate treatment of milk fed to Holstein and Jersey calves and associated outcomes of health and disease. Mast Res Workers, Chicago, IL, 2025
20. Stenkamp-Strahm C, Melody B, Brinson P, McCluskey B, Campbell AJ, Lakdawala S, Lombard J. Dairy H5N1: Insights from an Early Detection Study of Herds in California. Presented at USAHA/AAVLD, Denver, CO, 2025. Received Scientific Session Oral Presentation Award*

Poster Presentations

Cornell University

1. Vasquez A, Gutierrez-Oviedo F, Farricker M, Ramos V, You M, Jaivaid A, Basnayake V, Senevirante N, Reyes D, and J McFadden. Exploring the relationship between methane intensity and linear score in Holstein dairy cattle. 2025. Annual meeting of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Omaha, NE.
2. “Potential application of the IR Biotyper for Strain Typing of Streptococcus uberis in Dairy Herds.” Gioia G, Baccas M, Zurakowski M, Pawloski D, Guarino C. AAVLD. Aurora, CO. October 2025

Long Island University

3. Mahmmod Y, Smit N, Klapproth H, Chaffer M, Zvonar M. Diagnostic Performance of a Novel Molecular Microarray Assay for Diagnosis of Bovine Intramammary Infections with Mycoplasma Species.  64th Annual Meeting National Mastitis Council, Charlotte, NC Jan 2025.

Rutgers University; New Jersey Agricultural Experiment

4. Rios-Delgado G., Boyd J.M., et al., Small RNA IsrR mediates the staphylococcal response to iron limitation. Molecular Biosciences Annual Graduate Student Research Symposium. Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 3/2025
5. Rios-Delgado G., and Boyd J.M., Insight into bacterial adaptation to the hostile host environment. Three-Minute Thesis Competition. Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 3/2025
6. Paluszek S. and Boyd J.M. Mapping interactions between Staphylococcus aureus SUF proteins using a bacterial two-hybrid system. Aresty Research Symposium, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 4/2025.
7. Chen S. Naidu N., and Boyd J.M. Investigating interactions between Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis through spent media. Aresty Research Symposium, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 4/2025.
8. Rios-Delgado G., and Boyd J.M., Insight into bacterial adaptation to the hostile host environment. New Jersey American Society of Microbiology Meeting in Miniature (Theobald Smith Society). New Brunswick, NJ 5/2025.
9. Zheng V., Rios-Delgado G., and Boyd J.M. Small RNA IsrR represses Fe using processes under Fe starvation in Staphylococcus aureus. New Jersey American Society of Microbiology Meeting in Miniature (Theobald Smith Society). New Brunswick, NJ 5/2025.
10. Paluszek S. and Boyd J.M. Mapping interactions between Staphylococcus aureus SUF proteins using a bacterial two-hybrid system. New Jersey American Society of Microbiology Meeting in Miniature (Theobald Smith Society). New Brunswick, NJ 5/2025.
11. Tyagi N., Wong T., and Boyd J.M. Exploring the impact of itaconic acid on the physiology of Staphylococcus aureus. New Jersey American Society of Microbiology Meeting in Miniature (Theobald Smith Society). New Brunswick, NJ 5/2025.
12. Chen S., Naidu N., and Boyd J.M. Investigating interactions between Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis through spent media. New Jersey American Society of Microbiology Meeting in Miniature (Theobald Smith Society). New Brunswick, NJ 5/2025.
13. Bovermann H., and Boyd J.M. Decreasing rate of gene expression increases tolerance to copper ions in Staphylococcus aureus. New Jersey American Society of Microbiology Meeting in Miniature (Theobald Smith Society). New Brunswick, NJ 5/2025.
14. Rios-Delgado G., Zheng V., Ryan Kaler K., Kim J., Zelzion E., Parker D., Lalaouna D., Boyd J.M. Small RNA IsrR mediates the staphylococcal response to iron limitation. New Jersey American Society of Microbiology Meeting in Miniature (Theobald Smith Society). New Brunswick, NJ 5/2025.
15. Zheng V., Rios-Delgado G., and Boyd J.M. Small RNA IsrR represses Fe using processes under Fe starvation in Staphylococcus aureus. Rutgers Microbiology symposium, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 5/2025.
16. Tyagi N., Wong T., and Boyd J.M. Exploring the impact of itaconic acid on the physiology of Staphylococcus aureus. Rutgers Microbiology symposium, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 5/2025.
17. Paluszek S. and Boyd J.M. Mapping interactions between Staphylococcus aureus SUF proteins using a bacterial two-hybrid system. Rutgers Microbiology symposium, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 5/2025.
18. Chen S., Naidu N., and Boyd J.M. Investigating interactions between Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis through spent media. Rutgers Microbiology symposium, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 5/2025.
19. Bovermann H., and Boyd J.M. Decreasing rate of gene expression increases tolerance to copper ions in Staphylococcus aureus. Rutgers Microbiology symposium, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 5/2025.
20. Rios-Delgado G., Zheng V., Ryan Kaler K., Kim J., Zelzion E., Parker D., Lalaouna D., Boyd J.M. Small RNA IsrR mediates the staphylococcal response to iron limitation. Rutgers Microbiology symposium, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 5/2025.
21. Tyagi N., Wong T., and Boyd J.M. Exploring the impact of itaconic acid on the physiology of Staphylococcus aureus. New Jersey American Society of Microbiology Meeting in Miniature (Theobald Smith Society). Camden, NJ 11/2025.
22. Abera T., Bovermann H., Boyd J.M., Changes in iron homeostasis leads to increased sensitivity to copper in Staphylococcus aureus. New Jersey American Society of Microbiology Meeting in Miniature (Theobald Smith Society). Camden, NJ 11/2025.

Outreach Presentations

University of Minnesota

1. Podcast: Bedding selection and management to improve udder health. Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast. 07/02/2025 https://www.wisenetix.com/blog/Bedding-Management-for-Dairy-Cows
2. Podcast: How much are you spending to control mastitis. GPS DairyCast. 05/27/2025