25/05/2026
Mastitis is one of the most economically devastating and clinically significant diseases of dairy animals, characterized by inflammation of the mammary gland, usually caused by bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus agalactiae. The disease may occur in clinical or subclinical forms, silently reducing milk yield, altering milk composition, and severely affecting udder health and animal welfare. Infection commonly enters through the teat canal, particularly under poor milking hygiene, contaminated bedding, improper milking practices, and weakened immunity. Clinically affected animals may show swollen, painful, and hot udders, abnormal milk containing flakes, clots, pus, or blood, along with fever and reduced appetite in severe cases. Subclinical mastitis, although less visible, causes major hidden economic losses due to decreased milk quality, elevated somatic cell count (SCC), and reduced dairy profitability. Advanced mastitis management includes regular screening using tests such as the California Mastitis Test (CMT), strict milking sanitation, teat dipping, dry cow therapy, balanced nutrition, and targeted antimicrobial therapy based on culture and sensitivity testing. Effective mastitis prevention is not only essential for maximizing milk production and farm profitability but also for ensuring milk safety, antimicrobial stewardship, and sustainable dairy herd health management.
