Dr. Vishal B. Awate¹*, Dr. Naina Singh²
¹ M.V.Sc. (Veterinary Medicine), Veterinary Officer (Gr–A),Buldhana, Maharashtra, India
² M.V.Sc. (Veterinary Pathology), Veterinary Officer (Gr–A), Buldhana, Maharashtra, India
doi.org/10.5281/IndianVetMagazine.23246338
Mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland and is one of the most important health and economic problems affecting dairy cattle and buffaloes. It is commonly associated with bacterial infection, although other infectious and non-infectious factors may also contribute. Mastitis may occur in clinical or subclinical forms. Clinical mastitis is characterized by visible abnormalities in the udder and milk and may be accompanied by systemic illness, whereas subclinical mastitis produces no obvious clinical signs but can substantially reduce milk yield and quality. Diagnosis involves clinical examination, California Mastitis Test (CMT), somatic cell count and, when indicated, bacteriological culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Treatment depends on the severity and type of mastitis and should follow veterinary assessment and principles of responsible antimicrobial use. Supportive therapy is important in severe cases. Prevention depends primarily on hygienic milking, teat disinfection, proper milking-machine management, environmental hygiene, early detection and appropriate dry-cow management. Effective mastitis control can improve animal health, milk quality, farm profitability and antimicrobial stewardship.