Mastitis is a disease in dairy cattle. It is an inflammatory condition of the mammary gland, typically caused by bacterial infection, which can lead to reduced milk production, decreased milk quality, and potentially life-threatening complications.
Mastitis can be classified into two main types:
- Clinical mastitis: Characterized by visible signs such as swelling, redness, heat, and pain in the affected quarter, as well as changes in milk composition and production.
- Subclinical mastitis: No visible signs, but changes in milk composition and production, often detected through diagnostic tests like somatic cell count (SCC) or milk culturing.
Mastitis can be caused by various factors, including:
- Bacterial pathogens (e.g., E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus)
- Viral and fungal infections
- Parasites (e.g., mites)
- Mechanical trauma or injury
- Poor milking hygiene and management practices
If left untreated or poorly managed, mastitis can lead to:
- Reduced milk production and quality
- Increased risk of antibiotic resistance
- Increased culling rates
- Economic losses for dairy farmers
Treatment
All four quarters of infected cows should be treated to ensure elimination of the pathogen and to prevent possible cross-infection of a noninfected quarter. Labeled use of commercial intramammary products that contain amoxicillin, penicillin, or cephalosporins is preferred
Mastitis can be treated by intramammary or systemic antibiotics or a combination of both. Intramammary drugs tend to be best for single quarter mild mastitis, while systemic treatment is better for more severe cases or multiple quarter infection.
Early detection, proper treatment, and effective management strategies are crucial to prevent and control mastitis in dairy cattle.