Bovine mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary glands of cows, usually caused by bacteria. It is one of the most common and harmful diseases in dairy cattle worldwide.
The infection can affect one or more mammary glands and can result in a range of problems, including pain, swelling, changes in the texture of the milk, reduced milk production and even the presence of pus in the milk.
Bovine mastitis not only harms cow welfare, but also has a significant economic impact on the dairy industry, due to lost milk production, treatment costs and disposal of contaminated milk.
Bovine mastitis prevention
Prevention and effective treatment of bovine mastitis are essential to guarantee the health of the herd and the quality of the milk produced. Although it seems easy to treat, the disease can have serious consequences if not diagnosed quickly.
Therefore, producers must be aware of the risks, avoiding the recurrence of conditions throughout the herd and even the death of the animals.
According to veterinarian Fernando Santos, national sales manager for large animals at Syntec do Brasil, there are two categorizations of the disease: clinical and subclinical.
“The subclinical form is subtle, does not present visible changes in the milk or clinical signs of inflammation in the mammary gland, and is diagnosed only through tests carried out in the field or in the laboratory. On the other hand, in clinical mastitis, signs of the disease are evident in both the milk and the cow, making the diagnosis much simpler,” explains.
The veterinarian points out that animals with bovine mastitis can have a significant reduction in milk production, in addition to compromising the quality of the food, resulting in economic losses for producers.
According to Santos, strengthening the cows’ immune system can be an effective measure against the disease. This can be done through a balanced and appropriate diet for cows, including mineral and vitamin supplementation.
“In cases of bacterial mastitis, treatment with specific antibiotics may be necessary. Therefore, it is important to follow the veterinarian’s instructions and respect the medication withdrawal periods.”
To effectively control mastitis, measures such as keeping facilities clean and dry, ensuring adequate conditions in bedding and feeding areas, are essential. Hygienic milking practices, including disinfecting teats before and after milking, also play a crucial role in preventing disease.
Furthermore, regular examinations, such as SCC (Somatic Cell Count) tests, are useful for early identification of mammary health problems in the herd.
