This study presents results on effect of a combination of bismuth subnitrate teat canal sealant (Boviseal®) and the antibiotic Ampicillin+Cloxacillin (Bovaclox® DC) when used during the dry period on occurrence of mastitis 100 days post-calving. The specific objectives of this study were: to determine the effect of Boviseal® teat canal sealant in combination with Bovaclox® DC in control of dairy cow mastitis 100 days after calving; to determine bacterial pathogens causing mastitis in the selected farms and to determine risk factors associated with mastitis in dairy cows. This controlled field trial was carried out in two dairy farms in Kenya: Chemusian Farm in Nakuru County and Gicheha Farm in Kiambu County. A total of 156 dairy cows were sampled during the dry period for use in the study. They were randomly placed into either of the two study groups: Control group that received the antibiotic -Bovaclox® DC and the Test group that received the Bovaclox® DC followed by an internal teat sealant- Boviseal®. The cows were followed during the entire dry period (60 days to calving) and 100 days post-calving for development of mastitis. Cows in the control group were more susceptible to mastitis 100 days post-calving compared to cows in the treatment group (P<0.001, RR=4.4, OR=17.7). Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS) were the most common pathogens isolated from mastitic milk at 34.6 % followed by Micrococcus spp. (9.0%), Streptococcus agalactiae (3.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (1.9%) and Escherichia coli (0.6%). A multiple logistic regression at P≤0.05 showed that cows in Gicheha farm whose barn floor was earthen, those cows in the control group and hindquarters were risk factors for mastitis (RR=1.5, 4.4 and 1.18 respectively). The study thus recommends the use of Bovaclox® DC - Boviseal® dry cow combination and maintenance of good hygienic practices in animal barns and instruments of milking for control of bovine mastitis.

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