Abstract: There is provided an antimicrobial animal teat dip tincture composition and method of use thereof. The ingredients of the composition are: a microbicide, water-soluble, lower alkanol, water and lower-alkanol-soluble film-forming polymer, and a water soluble emollient. Mastitis is controlled by applying the composition to the teats of animals, and allowing the composition to dry on the teats to form a film of the polymer containing the emollient. The lower alkanol gives a very rapid and effective kill of microbes on the teats while the emollient will remain on the teats in the polymer film and prevent chapping and drying of the teats. Preferably, the composition also contains a further microbicide which remains in the polymer film and provides a residual long-term mastitis protection. Quaternary ammonia microbicide compounds provide superior results in this regard, as opposed to other conventional microbicides. The ingredients provide a freeze resistant solution.