An investigation into conditions at four selected Midlands dairy farms

The research project was an investigation into conditions at four selected Midlands Dairy Farms leading to production of blood stained milk. The researcher selected Anderson, Chikwira, Blinkwater and Coolmoreen. All farms were visited once a week for three months. Exposures and swabs were taken in and around the parlour to check hygienic conditions. Swabs were also taken on workers hands . Water and feeds were also sampled and tested for microbial contamination. Milk samples were also collected from each farm for isolation of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae. The results showed that at all farms they needed to improve their hygienic conditions on completion of the project the researcher advices that it is important for the milk producing farmers to exercise cleanliness, and control measures which are recommended by the Dairy Producers Association in Zimbabwe.