The microbiological diagnosis of mastitis is an essential
part of mastitis control. Diff erent microorganisms have different
habitats and require diff erent methods of control to reduce new
infections and shorten existing infections. The increase in microbiological methods has considerably increased the diagnostic possibilities in recent years. Rapid test methods and molecular biological techniques extend the possibilities of dairy farms to properly detect and control mastitis. The article gives recommendations for the respective microbiological method for application purposes within the scope of epidemiological and therapeutic characterisation of microorganisms relevant for udder health.