Abstract: A method for inhibiting bacterial infection in the udder of a host susceptible to bacterial infection is disclosed which comprises continuously applying pressure on the epithelial lining cells of at least one gland cistern of said udder. There is also disclosed a device which is a non-toxic and non-specific antigenic and of sufficient size to be restrained from entering the teat cistern of said udder, the device having a density greater than that of milk in the udder.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for stimulating immune resistance by the introduction of at least one relatively small solid non-toxic substantially non-biodegradable body, having non-specific antigenic action, into each gland cistern of the udder. The body is sufficiently flexible or elastic and of a shape so as to be capable of being shaped into a form small enough to be inserted into the gland cistern through the lactiferous duct and then reformed to its original shape which inhibits its passage from the gland cistern into the teat cistern. The continued presence of the non-specific antigenic body induces immune resistance including an increase in the number and activity of phagocytic cells, particularly leukocyte cells, in the udder. The continued presence of these increased numbers of activated phagocytic cells provides protection against bacterial invasion through the streak canal without degrading milk quality.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for stimulating immune resistance by the introduction of at least one relatively small solid non-toxic substantially non-biodegradable body, having non-specific antigenic action, into each gland cistern of the udder. The body is sufficiently flexible or elastic and of a shape so as to be capable of being shaped into a form small enough to be inserted into the gland cistern through the lactiferous duct and then reformed to its original shape which inhibits its passage from the gland cistern into the teat cistern. The continued presence of the non-specific antigenic body induces immune resistance including an increase in the number and activity of phagocytic cells, particularly leukocyte cells, in the udder. The continued presence of these increased numbers of activated phagocytic cells provides protection against bacterial invasion through the streak canal without degrading milk quality.