A milk-line sampling system to detect foodborne pathogens: A field case investigation from the United States and Argentina.

The objective of this short communication was to discuss two field case investigations to determine the usefulness of a milk-line sampling device to detect bacteria either coming from a group of cows suffering from mastitis or from the milking line potentially contaminated with environmental bacteria. In Case 1, the in-line sampling device was able to detect certain segments of the milk-line contaminated with environmental bacteria, but not coming from the cows. In Case 2, 19 out of 25 pooled in-line samples were in agreement with at least one of the individual sampled cows shedding either Staphylococcus or Streptococcus spp. or both, which accounted for 76% accordance between both methods. The in-line system, although not perfect, provided a reliable method to detect individual cows shedding mastitis-causing organisms. In conclusion, the milk-line sampling device system was able to help identify foodborne pathogens. Regular monitoring of the microbial quality of milk through a milk-line sampling device is recommended for groups of cows within the dairy herd to detect potential mastitis-causing microorganisms. Furthermore, the sampling device was an effective tool to screen the efficacy of cleaning and disinfecting mechanisms of the milk lines to identify and control potential foodborne pathogens that are collected in the bulk tank.