Dairy is a $5.5B industry in vermont. Mastitis is the most frequent health problem and remains one of the costliest health concerns of dairy cattle, causing significant economic losses

The non-aureus staphylococci are the most frequent cause of mastitis among many dairy cattle. Prevalence studies suggest the epidemiology of mastitis differs among bacterial species, with some non-aureus staphylococcus species more likely to cause mastitis compared to others. There are major gaps in our understanding of the role of non-aureus staphylococcus species in udder health. Key among the gaps is our understanding of species and strains of non-aureus staphylococci that cause persistent intramammary infections. Addressing these gaps can improve our understanding of mastitis epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention, and control. The goal of this research is to quantify the non-aureus staphylococci species distribution associated with persistent intramammary infections in dairy herds. We will continue a longitudinal study of intramammary infection dynamics in our university dairy herd and commercial herds. The target audience for our research is the mastitis research community and veterinarians and milk quality consultants interested in mastitis epidemiology. Results of our research will be disseminated to the target audience through presentations at conferences and meetings and publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The outcomes will be improved knowledge of the distribution and diversity of non-aureus staphylococci causing persistent mastitis in dairy cattle.