What should you know about mastitis infection in cows?

Mastitis is inflammation of udder tissue and may be caused by infection or injury. Milk can become watery, flaky, lumpy, discoloured, or reduced. The affected quarter may be hot, swollen, firm, or painful. A cow with more severe illness may have a fever, reduced appetite, low activity, or difficulty standing. Veterinary examination helps determine severity and whether milk sampling is useful.

Notify the herd veterinarian and identify the affected cow and udder quarter. Keep milking equipment and the cow’s resting area clean, and follow the farm’s isolation advice. Do not use leftover medicine or alter a prescribed course. Keep a clear record of treatment, milk disposal, and the cow’s appetite and activity so the veterinarian can assess progress.

Request urgent veterinary help when the cow is very unwell, cannot stand, refuses feed or water, has a markedly swollen udder, or produces visibly abnormal milk. Rapid deterioration can threaten the cow’s welfare. Milk from a treated cow should not enter the food supply until the veterinarian confirms that the relevant withdrawal instructions have been met.

Ask which quarter is affected, whether the infection should be tested, what treatment and supportive care are appropriate, and how to monitor the cow. Confirm milk-handling instructions and ways to reduce spread within the herd.