What should you know about summer mastitis in cattle?

Summer mastitis affects cattle rather than people. The udder may become hot, swollen, firm or painful, and milk from an affected quarter may look altered or contain clots. The animal may be dull, restless or reluctant to let the calf suckle. Warm weather, flies and teat damage can help infection spread between animals. Human breast pain or painful breastfeeding is a different clinical situation and should be assessed by a human healthcare professional.

Separate the affected animal according to the herd veterinarian’s advice, keep housing and bedding clean and reduce fly exposure where possible. Do not use leftover antibiotics or human medicines. A veterinarian may examine the udder, assess the animal’s general condition, collect a milk sample and prescribe treatment suited to the suspected infection. Follow instructions for milking, medicine administration and milk-withholding periods exactly. A Lactation Consultation is relevant to human breastfeeding, not veterinary treatment of cattle.

Contact a veterinarian promptly for a hot, swollen or painful quarter, abnormal milk, reduced appetite or a drop in milk production. Treat weakness, fever, dehydration, collapse, severe udder swelling or inability to stand as urgent signs. Early assessment helps protect the animal, the calf and herd health.

Ask which quarter is affected, whether milk sampling is needed, how to protect the calf and herd, what treatment schedule applies, and when milk can safely re-enter the food chain.