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Risk factors for toxic mastitis in cows.
F D Menzies1, A W Gordon, S H McBride
1Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Veterinary Sciences Division, Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD.
The Veterinary Record
|April 1, 2003
Summary
Toxic mastitis in cows, particularly E. coli infections, is linked to calving assistance and parenteral calcium administration. These factors significantly increase the risk of developing this serious bovine disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Bovine Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Toxic mastitis is a significant concern in dairy herds, impacting cow health and productivity.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common causative agent of toxic mastitis.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for effective disease prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate management practices and disease risk factors associated with toxic mastitis in cows.
- To identify specific interventions linked to the occurrence of E. coli toxic mastitis.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- Data were collected from 71 cases of toxic mastitis and matched controls.
- A subset of 41 cases with pure E. coli cultures was analyzed using conditional multiple logistic regression.
Main Results:
- No significant associations were found in the overall cohort of 71 cases.
- In the subset of 41 E. coli cases, parenteral calcium administration at calving (P < 0.01) and calving assistance (P < 0.01) were significantly associated with toxic mastitis.
- Parenteral calcium increased the odds of E. coli toxic mastitis by 23 times, while calving assistance increased odds by 11 times, after controlling for the other factor.
Conclusions:
- Calving assistance and parenteral calcium administration are significant risk factors for E. coli toxic mastitis in cows.
- These findings highlight potential targets for intervention to reduce the incidence of toxic mastitis.