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Inflammation of the udder (mastitis) is particularly common in summer, a time when we often forget to provide animals with optimal thermal conditions. Several factors contribute to the frequent incidence of illness at this time. The first is a decrease in animals' immunity resulting directly from heat stress, which makes them less effective in fighting pathogens. However, there are also other factors.
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The leading one is the invasion of flies during the summer. The high temperature since spring means that in the summer the population of harmful insects can grow to alarming sizes.
One of the fly species – Hydrotaea irritans, is considered the main vector of microorganisms responsible for the occurrence of mastitis. By feeding on cows' teats, they easily transfer pathogenic microorganisms to body tissues.
Read more Heat stress and metabolic diseases in cattle. Vol. 2: Ketosis
Another important factor is the tendency of animals to look for coolness in places contaminated with feces, which increases the pressure of pathogenic organisms. Metabolic diseases accompanying heat are also important, as they also have an immunosuppressive effect.
Symptoms of mastitis
Initially, mastitis may be latent, which means that the breeder is unable to implement treatment early enough. In more severe cases in cows, we may observe swelling and pain of the udder. The infected area feels hard and hot. Watery discharge contaminated with blood and pus flows from the teats. In severe cases of infection, systemic reactions also occur, such as increased body temperature and reduced feed intake. In extreme cases, it can lead to miscarriages or even the death of the animal.
Losses generated by mastitis
The occurrence of mastitis brings with it a number of losses. And we're not just talking about temporarily limiting milk production. Cows suffering from mastitis often do not return to their original milk yield. It may turn out that, as a result, such animals are only suitable for slaughter. In addition, there are losses related to reproductive disorders, mortality and veterinary care. Therefore, you should do everything to prevent udder inflammation.
Mastitis prevention
We often do not have an effective weapon in the fight against heat stress itself. Not all barns are equipped with air cooling systems. However, in the case of mastitis, we can do a lot to protect animals from getting sick.
The first aspect is activities aimed at reducing the population of flies in the facility and its surroundings. Appropriately selected insecticides should be used, as well as repellents that will discourage insects from feeding on the udder surface. Infected cows should be isolated from the rest of the herd, as pathogens can move between individuals.
Read more Heat stress and cattle diseases: High risk of lameness
A separate issue is to provide animals with clean and dry beds, which will reduce the risk of contamination of the udder with feces remains, which are a source of infection.
