It can occur in both clinical (visible symptoms) and subclinical (no visible symptoms) forms, making early detection crucial for managing herd health.
🧬 What is Mastitis in Dairy Cows?
Mastitis is a painful inflammation of the mammary gland (udder) in dairy cows, usually caused by bacterial infection. It’s one of the costliest diseases in dairy farming, affecting milk yield, quality, and animal welfare.
There are two major types:
- Clinical Mastitis: Visible signs like swelling, redness, pus in milk, and pain.
- Subclinical Mastitis: No obvious signs, but milk quality and yield are reduced, and it can go unnoticed without testing.
Mastitis can be chronic, acute, or peracute, depending on its intensity and progression.
🌍 Global Impact of Mastitis
- United States: Estimated losses of $2 billion annually.
- India: Affects productivity of smallholder farms significantly due to poor hygiene and limited veterinary access.
- Brazil: Emerging concern as dairy expands in tropical climates.
- Pakistan: High incidence due to backyard farming practices and poor udder hygiene.
- Kenya & Nigeria: Rising mastitis cases linked to lack of awareness and veterinary services.
- Malaysia: Focus is shifting to tech-based solutions and early diagnosis.
🦠 Causes of Mastitis
1. Bacterial Infection
Most mastitis cases are caused by:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus agalactiae
- Escherichia coli
These pathogens enter the udder through the teat canal, especially after milking when the canal remains open for 30 minutes.
2. Poor Milking Hygiene
- Not cleaning teats before or after milking.
- Using contaminated equipment.
- Unclean hands or gloves during milking.
3. Injury to Udder
Bruises or cuts from rough handling, barbed wire, or lying on hard surfaces allow bacteria to enter more easily.
4. Dirty Housing
Unsanitary barns, bedding, or water sources harbor bacteria that easily infect open teats.
5. Improper Milking Techniques
Over-milking or under-milking stresses the udder, increasing infection risk.
🚨 Symptoms of Mastitis in Dairy Cows
Clinical Mastitis (Visible Signs):
- Swollen, hard, red, or warm udder.
- Decreased milk yield.
- Milk appears watery, yellowish, or clotted.
- Cow may appear feverish, lethargic, or lose appetite.
- Pain and discomfort during milking.
Subclinical Mastitis (No Visible Signs):
- Normal-looking udder and milk.
- Detected through Somatic Cell Count (SCC) testing.
- Can spread silently through the herd.
🔬 How to Diagnose Mastitis
1. California Mastitis Test (CMT)
A simple cow-side test using reagent mixed with milk to detect high SCC.
2. Somatic Cell Count (SCC)
Elevated SCC (over 200,000 cells/mL) indicates infection.
3. Milk Culture
Helps identify the exact bacteria strain for targeted treatment.
4. Conductivity Testing
Changes in milk’s electrical conductivity can signal mastitis early.
💊 Cure and Treatment of Mastitis
1. Antibiotic Therapy
- Intramammary antibiotics inserted into infected quarter.
- Duration and dosage must be followed strictly.
- Withdrawal period must be observed to prevent antibiotic residues in milk.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
- NSAIDs like flunixin or meloxicam reduce udder inflammation and pain.
3. Supportive Care
- Increase water intake.
- Provide easily digestible, energy-rich feeds.
- Gentle milking to relieve pressure in the udder.
4. Culling Chronic Cases
For cows with repeated infections, culling may be the only economic option to prevent herd spread.
🛡️ Prevention of Mastitis in Dairy Cows
1. Post-Milking Teat Dipping
Use an iodine-based dip to seal the teat canal and kill surface bacteria.
2. Clean Milking Equipment
Sterilize all equipment after every session to prevent cross-contamination.
3. Maintain Udder Hygiene
- Trim udder hair.
- Clean and dry teats before milking.
4. Dry Cow Therapy
Administer long-acting antibiotics at drying-off stage to clear existing infections.
5. Proper Housing
- Dry, well-ventilated, and clean barns reduce bacterial load.
- Provide soft bedding like sand or straw.
6. Monitor SCC Regularly
Helps identify early cases before symptoms worsen.
7. Vaccination
Some vaccines can reduce severity but not fully prevent infection. Used more in herd health management plans.
📉 Economic Impact of Mastitis
- Reduced milk yield (by up to 30% per infected cow).
- Veterinary and treatment costs.
- Discarded milk due to antibiotic contamination.
- Culling costs for chronically infected cows.
- Long-term herd productivity loss.
📊 Mastitis in Different Countries
| Country | Common Cause | Major Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Staph. aureus | Managing large-scale detection |
| India | Poor hygiene | Lack of veterinary access |
| Pakistan | Dirty housing | Backyard farming issues |
| Brazil | Heat stress-related infections | Rapid dairy expansion in tropical zones |
| Kenya | Improper milking | Lack of farmer training |
| Nigeria | Lack of testing facilities | Subclinical infections go undetected |
| Malaysia | Wet climate & tech transitions | Embracing smart dairy practices |
🔚 Final Thoughts
Mastitis is a serious yet manageable condition that requires a combination of early detection, proper treatment, and consistent hygiene practices. Whether you're a smallholder farmer in Pakistan or a large-scale operator in the U.S., keeping your cows healthy and udders clean is essential for maximizing milk yield and quality.
👉 Proactive mastitis management doesn't just protect your cows — it protects your income, reputation, and consumer trust.
❓ FAQs About Mastitis in Dairy Cows
Q1. Can mastitis be completely cured?
A: Yes, if treated early. Chronic or recurring infections may require culling.
Q2. Is mastitis contagious between cows?
A: Yes, especially contagious forms like Strep agalactiae.
Q3. Can humans get sick from mastitis milk?
A: Raw milk from infected cows can pose health risks. Pasteurization kills most bacteria.
Q4. How often should SCC be checked?
A: Monthly testing is ideal, especially in high-producing herds.
Q5. Are natural remedies effective?
A: Herbs or oils may reduce inflammation but are not a substitute for antibiotics in bacterial cases.
Q6: How can I know my cow has subclinical mastitis?
A: Use a CMT test or monitor SCC levels through lab testing.Q7: Does mastitis affect future lactation?
A: Yes. If untreated, it can cause permanent tissue damage and reduced milk production.