Mastitis: A Silent Threat to Dairy Farming
Mastitis in dairy animals is a pressing issue that affects not only the health of the livestock but also the livelihoods of dairy farmers in India
DR MOHAMMAD IRFAN SHAH| DR KHADIM HUSSAIN DAR
Bovine mastitis is one of the most costly diseases affecting dairy cattle worldwide, resulting in a marked reduction in the quality and quantity of the milk. Mastitis is defined as the inflammation of one or more mammary glands and is usually caused by bacteria entering through the teat canal. It is not just one disease; rather, it is a spectrum that ranges from subclinical forms to life-threatening conditions.
There is a 5–25% reduction in milk yield along with a significant reduction in the fat content of the affected cow. Mastitis results in annual economic losses of approximately ₹13,000 crores in the Indian dairy industry. India, being the world's largest milk producer, these losses directly affect rural incomes, food security and the dairy sector's overall productivity.
Mastitis is classified into contagious mastitis and environmental mastitis based on the source of infection. Contagious pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae are found on the skin of the cow's udder and teats. They can be transmitted from one cow to another during milking through the hands of the milkers or the liners of the milking unit.
Environmental mastitis is caused by bacteria such as E. coli and Klebsiella that are present in the environment, including contaminated bedding, teat dips, and water used for udder preparation. In India, Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogen causing mastitis, particularly in crossbred cows, and poses significant challenges to animal health. Based on the presence or absence of clinical signs, mastitis can be described as subclinical or clinical mastitis.
Clinical mastitis can be easily identified by visible signs, such as a red and swollen udder and fever in cows. The milk appears watery and may contain flakes and clots. Unlike clinical mastitis, subclinical mastitis shows no visible abnormalities in the udder or milk, but it can quietly reduce production by 10 to 20% and affect milk composition.
Subclinical mastitis results in greater economic losses than clinical mastitis because it often goes unnoticed and accounts for about 70% of annual losses related to mastitis. Regular monitoring and testing can detect these early cases before they develop into costly outbreaks.
Mastitis not only leads to economic losses but also affects milk quality, rendering it unsuitable for human consumption and processing. Infected cows can produce milk that is contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. This increases the risk of foodborne illness if the milk is not properly pasteurised.
Mastitis management consists of two key components: treatment and prevention. Mastitis treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics, which are often administered without proper veterinary consultation and Antibiotic Sensitivity Test (AST). The widespread and indiscriminate use of these antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic resistance and residues, posing a public health risk. Preventing mastitis can be achieved by adopting clean milking practices, which form the basis of mastitis control.
Healthy cows should always be milked first, followed by recently calved cows, and lastly, the infected cows. Milkers should wash their hands and clean the teats properly. Before milking, fore-strip each teat to remove contaminated milk and check for abnormalities. After milking, apply a post-milking teat dip and keep the animal standing for 30 minutes by providing feed in order to ensure that the teat canal is properly closed.
Regular service of milking machines should be done because improper vacuum injures teat ends and predisposes them to infection. Providing adequate nutritional support with essential nutrients like vitamin E, selenium, and zinc improves the immune response and reduces udder inflammation. The dairy industry is now moving toward prevention-first strategies because of growing concerns around antibiotic resistance, residues in milk, and treatment failures.
Utilising supportive technologies such as AI-based diagnostics and early warning systems can enhance early detection and targeted therapy, thereby reducing disease progression and the need for antibiotic use. Advancements in the treatment of mastitis are underway, focusing on innovative approaches such as nanotechnology-based therapies, stem cell-derived treatments, phytotherapy, bacteriophage applications, and vaccine development.
Mastitis in dairy animals is a pressing issue that affects not only the health of the livestock but also the livelihoods of dairy farmers in India. By adopting hygienic practices, ensuring proper nutrition, and leveraging modern technology, farmers can minimise the incidence of this condition. Collaborative efforts among veterinarians, farmers, and policymakers are crucial for safeguarding the dairy industry from the impacts of mastitis.
(The Authors are Veterinarians and can be reached at: irfanshah642@gmail.com and drkhadim23@gmail.com)
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