Scope of Work

QMPS Main Contract
2007-2008

COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
ANIMAL HEALTH DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

Contract Objectives for 2007-2008

The Contract Objectives for the Quality Milk Production Services (QMPS) Program include four major components:

1. Service to the dairy producers of New York State.

QMPS is committed to offer a comprehensive evaluation of the dairy farm operation with regard to optimal and safe production of high quality raw milk. The services include a full laboratory evaluation of submitted milk samples, along with a review of farm conditions, management practices, milking equipment testing and milking procedures.  Recommendations from QMPS veterinarians and staff encourage clients and their herd veterinarians to work together to solve herd health issues. Herds required to use the QMPS Program by State law are encouraged to solve their problems and improve their raw milk quality to maintain a high quality standard for the New York milk supply.

QMPS is dedicated to operating four laboratories in the cattle dense areas of the state.  Laboratories are located in Canton (Northern), Ithaca (Central), Cobleskill (Eastern) and Geneseo (Western). In Geneseo, Cobleskill and Ithaca, Mycoplasma testing is offered and molecular diagnostic services are offered at our Ithaca laboratory.

The New York dairy farmers are offered a reduced fee for services. The fees are established in a joint decision-making process between QMPS management and the Director of the Division of Animal Industry in the Department of Agriculture and Markets.  Regulatory services are performed under the guide of the Somatic Cell Count Regulation, which states: “Quality Milk Promotion Services/Mastitis Control Program (NYSMCP) is mandated through the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, Division of Milk Control (Ref. 1NYCRR PART 2 of the Agriculture & Markets Law relating to the Requirements for the Production, Processing and Distribution of Grade A Milk and Milk Products; Section 2.8 and 2.60).”   The federal standard for milk somatic cell counts currently is 750,000 cells/ml.  We provide on-farm visits and herd evaluations for dairies to avoid losing their milk markets.  These visits help them identify the etiology of the problem and make appropriate corrections to lower somatic cell counts.

The diagnostic component of the Quality Milk Production Services for both field and laboratory is the foundation of the program, which is uniform throughout the regional laboratories.  Each regional laboratory is equipped to perform field and laboratory diagnostic evaluation of dairy herd problems and provide a rapid response for laboratory results.  We also offer farm personnel training services in both Spanish and English.

QMPS is committed to delivering services within the NYSCHAP framework and contributes to the success of this Program.

2. Research and Development

Development of new programs and quality improvement of existing programs is a continuous need for QMPS.  Development is needed in the areas of laboratory techniques, quality assurance, and on-farm services. Continuing education programs for QMPS employees are also part of the development tasks. 

Research is an important component to support new programs and the general knowledge of udder health and raw milk quality.  All academic staff will become involved in some aspect of applied research both to further our knowledge in the field of milk quality and udder health and as a continuing educational incentive.

3. Teaching and outreach.

These programs are a natural component of a University-affiliated organization.  QMPS is offering a course on milk quality for veterinary students at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. Continuing education for veterinary practitioners and training programs for extension agents and dairy producers continues to be offered.   

QMPS has a strong commitment in programs that work with milkers and their training, both in terms of education and communication in English and Spanish.  

The “Super” Milk program continues to receive wide recognition from the industry and is important to farmers.  Collaborations are ongoing with other groups on the Cornell campus and throughout the SUNY system.

     4.  Support system in times of disasters that impact the dairy industry.   

During the ice storm of 1998, the QMPS Northern Regional Laboratory was instrumental in providing services for farmers who had been impacted by the adverse conditions.  Provision of this type of services is extremely important.  QMPS has the unique position of being located throughout the state with a force of about 40 staff to provide assistance that may be needed in times of natural disaster or disease outbreaks. Two QMPS veterinarians are USDA/APHIS certified Foreign Animal Disease Diagnosticians.  The Director of the Division of Animal Industry and the Director of QMPS together decide the need for using Program staff in times of disease outbreaks.

2007-08 Deliverables 

• Services

• The Quality Milk Production Services’ Vision Statement reads, “We will continue to be a definitive resource for support of on-farm milk quality and associated food safety.”  To this end, our Program strives to provide laboratory and field services to the dairy industry in the four cattle-dense areas of New York State to optimize raw milk quality and support dairy producers in reaching their product quality goals.

• The final quarter of the 2007-08 year shows a slight increase in the overall number of samples and tests over the previous year. (Appendix 1)  These figures are a direct result of the price of milk at any given time.  With the fluctuations of the milk market, along with the increasing costs of running a dairy business, we are ever mindful of the financial considerations that our clients face.  Even with increasing milk prices, our goal still remains to help the farmer produce a quality product for the consumer, which may result in a better price for their milk product, enabling them to operate their business more profitably. 

In collaboration with the Division of Animal Industry and the State Veterinarians, we are continuing to enroll producers in the NYSCHAP Mastitis Module.  Many of our farms are now in their third year of enrollment and continue to utilize the suggestions that have been offered to them. We have seen a renewed interest in the NYSCHAP program and the mastitis module. Additional bulk tank milk evaluation options are available to producers with their NYSCHAP Bulk Milk Testing Vouchers. Mastitis Module resources available through the NYSCHAP web site will be reviewed and updated this year as necessary. Methods for increasing the use of bulk tank culture vouchers by  producers will also be explored.

• The QMPS Molecular Laboratory provides specialized research and diagnostic services as part of our mission to support the dairy industry through use of science-based methods and cutting-edge technology. We offer DNA-based bacterial detection and identification, and strain typing or "DNA-fingerprinting". This includes detection of Salmonella, shiga-toxin producing E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes in bulk tank milk as part of the bulk milk surveillance project. We screened hundreds of bulk milk samples for MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) as part of the nation-wide survey by the National Animal Health Monitoring System. The Molecular Laboratory plays a key role in our Klebsiella research and in analysis of on-farm Klebsiella outbreaks. Species identification of non-agalactiae streptococci was initiated in the Molecular Laboratory and is now in the process of being implemented for routine diagnostic use. The integration of fieldwork, routine diagnostics, and specialized diagnostics and research at QMPS provides a unique opportunity to address issues raised in the field, and to generate information that is taken back to our dairy producers.

• A Quality Manual for the Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) and 22 Quality Standard Procedures (QSP) have been written and approved, in a continuous effort to obtain accreditation by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD). Furthermore, QMPS is working towards the accreditation of its Ithaca Microbiology Laboratory by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the winter-spring of 2008.  The ISO/IEC 17025:2005 is for use by laboratories in developing their management system for quality, administrative and technical operations.  Accreditation by ISO 17025 is a valuable component of quality assurance in diagnostic microbiology.  QMPS, with the help of Ms. Denise Archer (AHDC Quality Assurance Manager) has developed a QMPS Quality Manual for ISO 17025 accreditation as well as QMPS Quality System Procedures.  Ms Belinda Gross, Mr. Brad Rauch, Dr. Carlos Santisteban and Dr. Rubén González are the QMPS taskforce executing necessary steps and will continue until completion. An external ISO audit was held on October 15-17, 2007. After this audit, QMPS is reviewing its Quality Manual, documents and forms, and developing some other documents to prepare for the final visit of the ISO inspection team in the winter-spring 2008.  Later, on November 25-27, a four-member Accreditation Committee of the AAVLD visited the AHDC laboratories in the Ithaca area and conducted a site review audit.  The QMPS Ithaca Microbiology Laboratory was inspected by two members of the site visit team who liked the organization of our facility and its quality system, and only made two very minor observations in issues beyond the control of our laboratory.  Those observations have been already addressed by the QMPS Quality Manager.

Research and Development

Research

• Antimicrobial resistance in mastitis pathogens (with University of Guelph)

Currently, in cooperation with the Ontario Veterinary College, we are evaluating antimicrobial resistance patterns for Staphylococcus aureus before and after dry-off treatment with antibiotics.  Strain typing of isolates will be completed this summer.  

• Infection dynamics in two dairy herds (with University of Vermont)

Data collection has been completed on both herds and the data will be analyzed in the next year.  Dr. Barlow, in collaboration with Dr. Zadoks, was able to secure additional funding from the competitive USDA grant program for molecular diagnostics. Dr. Barlow presented some of the results at the Fall Dairy Conference in Auburn, NY. We are currently submitting the results to peer-reviewed publications. A paper on the infection dynamics of Q-fever in one of the two herds has now been published in the journal Veterinary Research. A second paper on modeling of infection in dairy herds has been submitted, and a third paper on the molecular epidemiology of S. aureus has been submitted as well. A final fourth paper on the molecular epidemiology of streptococcal infections is in preparation. The thesis defense of Dr. Barlow is planned for summer 2008.

• Economics of repeated clinical mastitis cases

The objective of this project is to estimate the economical costs of repeated cases of clinical mastitis. This project was funded through a USDA NRI grant. A PhD student is working on this project in collaboration with QMPS faculty and Dr. Grohn. Data collection is ongoing and will take at least another year. Three manuscripts have been accepted for publication or have been published. A presentation on this topic was selected for a key-note presentation at the World Buiatrics Meeting in Budapest in the summer of 2008. The results indicate that repeated cases of clinical mastitis are associated with important economic losses as observed in milk production and culling risk. Cost of every repeated case is only slightly less when compared to the first case.

• Cell count dynamics in New York

        A paper was presented at the International Dairy Federation meeting in Maastricht, the Netherlands, which was well received. A peer-reviewed publication has been completed and has now been published in the Journal of Dairy Science in March 2008. This project was used as a thesis project for an MBA degree which was awarded in September 2006. The project is now completed.

•      Klebsiella Mastitis

Klebsiella has replaced E. coli as the most deadly cause of mastitis in many New York dairies. Traditionally, Klebsiella was thought to come from wood products used as bedding. Use of sand reduces the risk of Klebsiella, but it continues to be a killer in well-managed herds. We showed that many healthy cows carry Klebsiella in their rumen and gut, and shed it with feces. Fecal contamination of drinking water and feed is the most likely source of Klebsiella in the cows' gut. Manure with Klebsiella also ends up in bedding and in alleys, and it splashes onto legs and teats. Pre-milking udder disinfection removes some of the Klebsiella from teats. Dirty cows are especially likely to have Klebsiella on their teats, even after udder prep, which puts them at risk of mastitis. Alley and animal hygiene are important and neglected areas of Klebsiella control. In 2007, our producer-driven Klebsiella research received funding from the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

• Chronic Coliform Mastitis

A team of researchers from QMPS and Cornell University Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostics have joined to examine the question of udder inflammatory response to coliform infection during the dry period. Mastitis is commonly noted during the late stages of the dry period and into early lactation. There are currently no effective preventative procedures in place to reduce the rate of coliform mastitis in the late dry period. This team of QMPS researchers are working to address the problem of coliform mastitis during the dry period and early lactation by examining how the udder responds to bacterial infection during these critical stages. By analyzing the changes in the Th1/Th2 dominance of the immune signaling response during the transition from the dry period to early lactation, this study will provide new approaches, and perhaps new targets for the prevention of coliform mastitis that is initiated during the dry period.

• Dynamics of infectious diseases on dairy farms (RDQMA project)

In the ongoing Regional Dairy Quality Management Alliance (RDQMA) Research Pilot Project, Quality Milk Production Services (QMPS) continues to be an important player. About four years of sampling has been completed on the research farm in New York, coordinated by QMPS personnel.  The Pennsylvania farm (coordinated by Penn State) and Vermont farm (coordinated by University of Vermont) continue to sample on a regular basis. Samples collected from all three research farms are sent to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) labs at Maryland and Georgia, and University of Pennsylvania.

Fecal and serum samples from the dairy cows were analyzed over the past years for the presence of MAP (etiological agent of Johne's disease in cattle) in Dr. Bob Whitlock’s lab at the University of Pennsylvania. RDQMA fecal samples have been used to validate a Real-Time PCR test for the diagnosis of MAP in cattle. Collected data shows the serious impact that one MAP super shedder can have on the environment of an entire farm. Rebecca Mitchell, a Ph.D. candidate has already developed mathematical models to understand the transmission dynamics of MAP and Dr. Zhao Lu has been working on further modeling that would help in culling decisions. Rebecca Smith, a Ph.D. student has just started examining the data from RDQMA research farms in the area of economic analysis. Likewise, Dr. Jo Ann Van Kessel and Dr. Jeff Karns from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Beltsville, MD and the team at Penn State have been dealing with Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli culture on all fecal and environmental samples from the three dairies. In addition, Dr. Scott Ladely and Sandra House, ARS-Georgia, have analyzed fecal and environmental samples from all three farms for the presence of Enterococcus, E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and antimicrobial resistance pathogens. Further modeling to understand the efficacy of control strategies such as vaccination in one of the research farms to reduce the prevalence of Salmonella is in its initial stage. Continued bulk tank analyses show the high quality of milk from these research farms along with producer’s excellent stewards of their animals. 

The multilocus short sequence repeats (MLSSR) strain identification of MAP isolates allows us to better understand how MAP is moving around farms.  We can better define which cows are infected from particular sources as well as tell which animals are contributing to environmental positives.  We can also evaluate whether different infectious strains are better at surviving within animals or spreading between them. Rebecca Mitchell, and Dr. Abani Pradhan have been working on MLSSR strain identification project which involves DNA extraction, PCR and gel run, DNA purification, and DNA sequencing of all MAP isolates from three RDQMA research farms. Preliminary results from DNA sequencing indicated the variation of different strains exists in these farms within and between farms.

Results from the labs and the data gathered on the farm in the form of economic, nutrient management, and individual cow health are continuously updated and maintained in the RDQMA database.  An on-line management survey is administered quarterly at each farm visit with all data incorporated into the database. Different samples collected from the research farm showed the presence of Listeria in the dairy environment. More intensive sampling has been done in this farm from different locations including milking parlor, milking equipment, milk lines, and bulk tank to further understand the survival and persistence of Listeria in this farm. Alejandra Latorre, a Ph.D. student, has been working at the molecular laboratory in QMPS, Ithaca, to study the molecular subtypes of this organism using pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and to characterize the persistence of different L. monocytogenes strains to further investigate whether any infection transmission patterns can be observed. Preliminary PFGE patterns indicated different strains of Listeria were present in different sources such as fecal material, milk, milk filter, bedding, milking equipment, etc. We have recently identified the presence of biofilms in the milking equipment. With the use of scanning electron microscopy, biofilms were captured. These biofilms were identified in the milk meters where culture results showed the presence of L. monocytogenes.

• Several case studies

      QMPS faculty prepared several case studies for use in continuing education and student teaching. A number of these case studies are submitted for publication in peer reviewed journals. A large number of these case studies are used for extension publications. An important outlet for our extension publications is our newsletter in the Northeast Dairy Business publication (QM2). A case study on Klebsiella mastitis was published recently in the journal of Clinical Microbiology.

• Milk Quality and Food Safety on Organic Dairies (USDA funded)

Over the past three years, milk quality and udder health has been followed on four dairy farms that are making the transition from conventional to organic dairy production.  Two farms have completed the field phase; the other two farms will complete this phase in the coming year and the laboratory phase will begin.  Bacterial isolates collected will be evaluated for changes in antimicrobial susceptibility over time.  Rapid diagnostics for foodborne pathogens in bulk milk continue to be developed.  In mid-2008 a website will be launched to begin to bring information gathered from this study to the public.

• Bulk Tank Surveillance Project (A&M funding 2006-2008)

In 2007 QMPS began piloting a New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSA&M) funded project:  Bulk Tank Surveillance of animal health, food borne pathogen testing, and milk quality parameters in dairy herds using bulk milk.  Bulk milk is collected by either milk haulers or certified milk inspectors which allows minimal work on the producer end.  The producer is then sent results which provide them with an early detection method for mastitis pathogens and other herd health and food safety issues. 

A research component of this project is the validation of a Johne’s milk ELISA.  Currently we have is to enrolled approximately 70 herds which are also enrolled in the Johne’s Module through the NYSCHAP program.   Three bulk tank samples as well as environmental samples from lactating cows are being collected.  The ELISA results and environmental samples will be compared to data collected from the NYSCHAP program.  After completion of the Johne’s Milk ELISA validation, we are looking to offer producers additional tests for Q-fever, bovine Leukosis, and Campylobacter.

Development:

• Develop NYSCHAP Comprehensive Milk Quality module

The DairyCheq MilkGuard™ system; an electronic time and temperature recorder for milk bulk tanks and  milking system sanitizing systems is being evaluated on three demonstration farms in New York. The DairyCheq System provides a web-based farm process management system.  Data from all three Milk Guard installations are currently being analyzed and compared to milk quality data of each of the herds. Results will be shared with the producers and Dairy Cheq as soon as they are available.

Bilingual training & outreach
        The beginning of the year has been very busy for the Language Services Program.  Many farms have requested follow-up visits and meetings over the last three months.  There have also been a good number of new farms requesting our services.  We provided milker training for Vermont farms through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture which included on-farm visits.  Finally, we are continuing to collaborate with NYCAMH to provide on-farm safety trainings for dairies throughout the state.  It has been a great start to 2008.

• Teaching and Outreach

• Two-week intensive course in Milk Quality for veterinary students

Again in 2007, from July 30th through August 10th, QMPS offered an intensive two-week course (VM704 - Milk Quality Elective) for veterinary students. Nine students, including two from the University of Guelph, Canada, attended the course.  The program was designed by QMPS personnel and included speakers on various topics of mastitis and milk quality, milking parlor evaluations, laboratory training for mastitis diagnosis and herd visits.  Student's performance was evaluated through a written final exam and an oral presentation (analysis of procedures and management of a selected dairy farm for production of quality milk) before a panel that included owners and personnel from the dairies visited.  Participating students graded the course from very good to excellent.

• Laboratory Proficiency Program

The Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program has entered its fifth year as an external quality assurance program.  When this program was first introduced, veterinary practices that culture milk samples were our main focus.  The enrollment has diversified to include research facilities and farms with on-site laboratories.  Currently, there are 20 enrollees participating from throughout the United States, along with all QMPS laboratory technicians. 

• Certified Dairy Equipment Technician Program

Our Certified Dairy Equipment Technician Program, which operates under the auspices of the Empire State Milk Quality Council, continues to remain a successful venture with 67 technicians completing their certification to date.  Four to five additional individuals are interested in becoming certified in the near future and are currently preparing for their exam.  An exhibit was displayed in Syracuse at the Farm Show and also at the August Empire Farm Days Show in Seneca Falls.  This helps to promote the benefits of certification for those who work with milking equipment including milk inspectors, equipment dealers, dairy veterinarians and faculty. 

• “Super” Milk and Dairy Technician Certification Programs execution under Supervision of the Empire State Milk Quality Council

        These programs are a continuous effort of our QMPS staff. Mr. Scott Steiner chairs the Equipment Technician Certification Program. Continuously updated information on this program is available at http://qmps.vet.cornell.edu/Programs/certifiedtech.htm.   The 'Super Milk' program is administered by Mrs. Kerry Case with support of Belinda Gross. Continuous updated information on this program is available at http://supermilkny.org/index.asp.

• “Super” Milk Program

There were 1,163 "Super" Milk achievers for 2006 and signs commemorating their hard work were handed out in June.  Requirements for this achievement include a Somatic Cell Count (SCC) below 250,000 for ten out of 12 months, nomination by a certified milk inspector, and consistent standards of cleanliness and quality.  This is the 17th year of this program.  The Empire State Milk Quality Council (ESMQC) had 151 “Super" Achievers that qualified for the first time this last year. Additionally, ESMQC meets four times a year to continue to recognize and support dairy industry.

Two continuing education programs for veterinary practitioners in collaboration with QMPS and Pro-Dairy, Field Services Section

Matt Chuff, a summer research student has completed the analysis of herd data concerning mastitis caused by Serratia species. The project will provide a more complete understanding of the impact of herd outbreaks of mammary gland infection with this organisms that will help producers and veterinarians make better management decisions that will affect herd productivity, animal wellbeing, and milk quality. The paper has been submitted to the Journal of Dairy Science for publication.

QMPS staff organized or participated in a number of education and training events including: VM 704, VM 711 (NYSCHAP Course), Block V and Block VII CVM courses Training for Dairy One technicians and several Organic Dairy Production Programs in New York and other major dairy producing states

Support system in times of disasters that impact the dairy industry

At this point in time, it has not been necessary to employ our laboratories to assist in disasters that impact the industry.  However, with the homeland safety issues that have dominated our concerns, we are ready to assist in any manner necessary. 

Appendix 1:

QMPS Laboratory Activities

Ratio of Herd Surveys
2007-08