A cow may look healthy, eat normally and show no obvious signs of illness, yet have an udder infection that affects her milk production. This condition, known as mastitis, is one of the common challenges faced by dairy farmers. It refers to inflammation of the udder, often caused by bacteria entering through the teat opening.
Mastitis can occur in two forms. In clinical mastitis, the signs are usually visible. The udder may become swollen, hot or painful, and the milk may contain clots, flakes, blood or appear unusually watery. In subclinical mastitis, the cow may look healthy and the milk may appear normal, but milk production can decline without the farmer noticing. This hidden form can go undetected unless appropriate tests are carried out.
Why is early treatment important?
Mastitis should never be ignored, even when the changes appear minor. If the infection is severe, persists for a long time or keeps recurring, it can damage the milk-producing tissue of the udder. In chronic cases, the damaged tissue may be replaced by scar tissue, a process called fibrosis. This can permanently reduce the milk-producing capacity of the affected part of the udder. Severe infections can also make a cow seriously ill and, in some cases, threaten her life.
For the farmer, the consequences can be equally serious. Lower milk production, veterinary expenses, discarded milk and repeated treatment can reduce the income earned from a cow. If the udder suffers permanent damage, its milk yield may never return to its previous level. Early veterinary attention can improve the chances of recovery and help prevent further losses.
Simple hygiene can prevent many infections
Good milking practices are among the most practical ways to reduce the risk of mastitis. Before milking, farmers should wash their hands and ensure that the milking area and equipment are clean. Teats should be cleaned when necessary and dried properly using individual clean towels. Using the same dirty cloth on several cows can transfer bacteria from one animal to another.
Clean, dry bedding is equally important. Wet and dirty surroundings allow bacteria to multiply and increase the chances of infection. Where practical, cows should be encouraged to remain standing for about 30 minutes after milking by offering feed. The teat opening may remain temporarily open after milking, and lying down immediately in contaminated bedding can increase exposure to bacteria.
Farmers should also inspect the udder and check the first streams of milk for clots, flakes, blood or an unusual watery appearance. Milk with such changes should be kept separate from milk intended for consumption or sale, and the cow should be examined by a veterinarian.
The right treatment matters
Not every case of mastitis requires the same treatment. The choice depends on the severity of the condition, the likely cause and the veterinarian’s assessment. Tests such as the California Mastitis Test (CMT) can help identify suspected subclinical mastitis, while laboratory examination of milk may help identify the bacteria responsible and guide treatment.
Using medicines without proper advice, choosing an unsuitable antibiotic or repeating treatments without investigating the cause may delay recovery and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Farmers should follow veterinary instructions carefully and never assume that an apparently improved cow is completely free of infection.
Milk safety must also be considered during treatment. The prescribed milk-withdrawal period must be observed, and milk that is not permitted for sale during this period must not be mixed with the main milk supply. Doing so can contaminate an entire batch with drug residues and cause financial losses as well as food-safety concerns.
Healthy cows, better milk and better returns
Mastitis prevention does not always require expensive equipment or complicated procedures. Clean hands, hygienic milking, dry bedding, regular udder checks and prompt veterinary advice can make a meaningful difference. Farmers should pay particular attention to cows that have suffered mastitis before, as they may be at greater risk of another episode.
A few minutes of care during every milking session can help protect a cow from pain, preserve her milk-producing capacity and reduce avoidable expenses. For dairy farmers, a healthy udder is not just a sign of good animal care; it is also an important part of maintaining safe milk and a sustainable livelihood.
Author note: Dr. Maliha Gulzar is an ICSSR Postdoctoral Fellow at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Kashmir, with an interest in One Health. Email: malihagulzar@gmail.com
Prof. (Dr.) Amatul Muhee is Head of the Veterinary Clinical Complex at the same faculty.
