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Mycoplasmal mastitis in dairy herds
Rubén N González1, David J Wilson
1Quality Milk Production Services, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 22 Thornwood Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850-1263, USA. rngl@cornell.edu
Summary
Mycoplasmal bovine mastitis, a contagious disease, causes significant economic losses. Early detection through milk culture and culling infected animals are key to controlling outbreaks in dairy herds.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycoplasmal bovine mastitis is a highly contagious disease causing severe economic losses in dairy herds.
- Introduction of infected replacement animals is a common source of new outbreaks in previously disease-free herds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline effective strategies for the detection, control, and prevention of Mycoplasma-infected bovine mastitis.
- To highlight the challenges and limitations in managing this economically significant disease.
Main Methods:
- Milk culture for Mycoplasma detection in purchased animals, clinical cases, and all herd members.
- Implementation of quarantine, testing, and culling protocols for infected animals.
- Evaluation and correction of milking equipment and procedures.
Main Results:
- Milk culture is a straightforward detection method, though sensitivity can be a challenge.
- Culling Mycoplasma-positive cows is the primary control method; strict segregation is an alternative for large outbreaks.
- No effective treatment or vaccination exists; pasteurization of waste milk is recommended.
Conclusions:
- Effective control relies on rigorous testing, quarantine, and culling of infected animals.
- Management practices, including milking procedures and equipment maintenance, are crucial.
- Further research is needed on Mycoplasma survival in farm environments to understand disease epidemiology.