Bovine Mastitis refers to the inflammation of mammary glands in cattle, commonly known as udders. The mammary glands are responsible for the production and secretion of milk. Mastitis occurs when the mammary tissue becomes infected, usually due to exposure to various bacteria. There are two primary types of mastitis - clinical and subclinical. Clinical mastitis is easily detected as the affected udder becomes visibly swollen, hard, warm and painful for the cow. In subclinical mastitis, the infection is internal and may not show visible external symptoms. However, it reduces milk production and quality.
Causes and Risk Factors
Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae are the two main bacterial pathogens that cause mastitis. They enter the teat canal when it is unsealed, usually due to milking techniques or injury to the teat. Poor hygiene during milking allows environmental pathogens from bedding material, milking equipment and other surfaces to enter the teat canal. Overcrowding and unclean barn conditions increase the risk of infection spread between cows. Injuries allow direct entry of organisms into the gland cistern. Other risk factors include cow age, stage of lactation, and presence of other diseases. Genetic factors like teat structure also determine susceptibility to infection.
Economic Impact of Mastitis
Bovine Mastitis is considered one of the most costly diseases in dairy production globally. It results in huge economic losses to dairy farmers due to reduced milk production, increased treatment and veterinary costs, premature culling and increased costs related to quality control. Mastitis negatively affects milk composition and quality as well.
Diagnosis and Prevention
Screening milk samples regularly through somatic cell count (SCC) testing or California Mastitis Test (CMT) helps detect subclinical infections. Samples showing high SCC or a positive CMT must be cultured to identify the causative pathogens. This helps decide on appropriate treatment. Most preventive measures involve proper milking hygiene protocols including teat disinfection before and after milking, use of disposable paper towels, gloves during milking, regular disinfection of milking equipment and maintenance of hygienic housing conditions. Early detection and treatment of clinical cases prevents new intramammary infections. Vaccines targeting major pathogens provide additional protection. Genetic selection of cows for improved udder health and teat structure also aids prevention. Proper dry cow therapy eliminates infections during the non-lactating period.
Treatment Options
Bovine mastitis treatment involves use of antimicrobial intramammary preparations according to culture and sensitivity reports. Antibiotics are prescribed to reduce the infection load and inflammation. NSAIDs provide symptomatic relief from pain and swelling. Antibiotic tubes are infused into the affected quarters at recommended intervals over 4-5 days. Selecting the right drugs, following dosage instructions and completing the full treatment course is important for cure. Discarding milk obtained during and after treatment is mandatory. Severe or chronic cases may require longer treatment periods or even surgery. Overall cure and recovery depends on early diagnosis, appropriate therapy and post-treatment management of the cow. Preventing new infections through farm hygiene forms an essential part of the treatment plan.
While proper management practices have helped control losses from mastitis over the last few decades, it remains a challenge globally. New technologies like rapid on-farm detection tests, genomic selection for mastitis resistance and therapeutic vaccines hold promise for the future. Dairy farmers must prioritize prevention through an effective herd health program and invest in quality milking equipment, facilities and personnel training. Coordinated bovine mastitis control programs involving producers, veterinarians, field staff and researchers are critical to further reduce its impact. With increasing awareness and adoption of scientific prevention strategies, the scourge of mastitis can be better mitigated in the coming years ensuring long term profitability and sustainability of dairy farming.
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