Causes of mastitis in cattle

Exposure may occur in bedding, manure, mud, milking equipment, or during contact between animals. Teat injury, poor milking technique, damaged liners, incomplete teat disinfection, and reduced udder defences can make infection easier to establish. Physical trauma can also inflame the udder without being the primary infection source.

Visible mastitis may cause a hot, swollen, firm, or painful quarter and abnormal milk containing flakes, clots, or watery material. Affected cattle may eat less, appear dull, or develop fever. Subclinical infection has no obvious udder or milk change and is detected through herd monitoring or veterinary testing.

A case can arise from environmental exposure or spread during milking. The distinction matters because prevention differs: cleaner, drier housing reduces environmental challenge, while consistent milking hygiene and equipment maintenance help limit transmission between udders.

Mark the affected cow, inspect every quarter, and follow the farm's milk-separation procedure. Collect a clean milk sample before treatment when the veterinarian or herd protocol calls for one. Record the animal, quarter, findings, treatment, and response so repeated cases can be recognised.

Review bedding moisture, manure contamination, teat condition, milking order, liner function, vacuum performance, and pre- and post-milking teat care. Use veterinary-prescribed medicines exactly as directed and observe all milk and meat withdrawal instructions on the product or prescription. Human mastitis is a separate health issue and should be discussed with a human healthcare professional.

Contact a veterinarian promptly if the cow is weak, unable to stand, not drinking, markedly feverish or cold, dehydrated, breathing abnormally, or has a rapidly swollen or discoloured udder. These signs can accompany severe systemic illness and require more than local udder care.

Veterinary review is also appropriate when milk remains abnormal, swelling persists, cases recur in the same quarter, several animals are affected, or the usual herd plan is not working. Testing can help identify the organism and guide control measures rather than relying on repeated empirical treatment.

Ask how to collect and store a useful milk sample, whether the pattern suggests environmental exposure or milking-time spread, which supportive care is needed, and when treated milk can re-enter the tank. Discuss repeated cases, dry-period strategy, equipment checks, and thresholds for reviewing the whole-herd plan.