Frequently Asked Questions
How does SureSeal work?
SureSeal bismuth teat sealant has a unique formulation also containing povidone iodine. The bismuth forms a physical barrier preventing the entry of bacteria into the teat canal. This unique combination has been shown to be effective under New Zealand field conditions.
For more information, please call 0800 224 022 and request our technical services veterinarian.
How well does it stay in the teat canal?
SureSeal was found, in a New Zealand study, to retain equivalent levels of teat sealant in the teat canal to the market leader.
Do teat sealants replace intramammary antibiotic treatment?
Teat sealants act as a barrier to stop bacteria entering the teat canal. Dry cow intrammamary antibiotics provide high local levels of antibiotic to kill bacteria that are present in the udder. This difference guides our approach to use, as seen below:
- In cows and lactating heifers with cell counts below 150,000 and 120,000 respectively (i.e. cows/heifers that are unlikely to have a current infection present) use of SureSeal alone at dry off is indicated. If there is any doubt as to the health of their udder, it is recommended to add antibiotic dry cow treatment as below.
- In animals with cell counts higher than this (i.e. animals at higher risk of having a current infection present), use of SureSeal in combination with dry cow antibiotic therapy (Noroclox DC 600 is recommended for this purpose) is indicated.
- Any animal with clinical mastitis should be treated appropriately before drying off.
It is critical that this evaluation is performed accurately – if you are at all unsure about this decision making process it is critical to seek guidance from your veterinarian.
I usually use a cephalonium-based dry cow antibiotic. Does it matter which antibiotic therapy I use in conjunction with SureSeal
Dry cow therapy containing active ingredients cephalonium and cloxacillin have both been used in studies in conjunction with an internal teat sealant, and comparable results have been found.
How do I administer SureSeal?
Please refer to our detailed, printable instuctions, on the administration page
I have had problems differentiating older teat sealants and colostrum / mastitis in the past. Is this a problem with SureSeal
SureSeal is easily differentiated from both colostrum and mastitic milk; when milked out and rubbed between the fingers, it leaves a waxy residue that makes identifying SureSeal treated cows easy.
What is the withholding period on SureSeal?
Milk intended for human consumption must be discarded for the first 8 milkings following calving. No additional withholding periods apply.
Where can I read more about SureSeal?
In 2014, a study on SureSeal was presented by Dr Scott McDougall at the World Buiatrics Congress held in Cairns, Australia.
Where can I find tips on hygienic administration of SureSeal?
A new handout containing handy hygiene tips for the administration of SureSeal is available now.