Bovine Mastitis: A Review of the Current State of Knowledge

Abstract

Bovine mastitis, an inflammation of the cow’s mammary gland, is one of the most prevalent and costly diseases in dairy farming worldwide. It causes significant economic losses through reduced milk yield, discarded milk, treatment expenses,  cow culling, and it poses welfare and health challenges to dairy animals. Mastitis can be clinical, with observable udder inflammation and abnormal milk, or subclinical, with no visible signs but elevated somatic cell counts and diminished milk production. The current state of knowledge on bovine mastitis, encompassing its etiology (primarily bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp.), pathogenesis of intramammary infection, risk factors influencing its occurrence (e.g. poor milking hygiene,  environmental conditions),  epidemiological trends in both global and Indian contexts. Methods for diagnosis and detection – from traditional culture and somatic cell count to newer molecular and on-farm rapid tests – are discussed, as are strategies for prevention and control. Management practices like proper milking routines, teat disinfection, and dry cow therapy remain cornerstones of mastitis control, while antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of treatment despite growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance. The  highlights emerging alternatives such as vaccination efforts, genetic selection for mastitis resistance,  novel non-antibiotic therapies (e.g. plant-based compounds, nanoparticles,  phage therapy) aimed at improving udder health in the post-antibiotic era. The substantial economic impact of mastitis (billions of dollars losess) its implications for animal health ,public health, continued research and improved management are critical. This comprehensive overview provides insight to current challenges and future prospects for controlling bovine mastitis in dairy herds globally.