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The cost of summer mastitis
J E Hillerton1, J G West, M F Shearn
1Milking and Mastitis Centre, Agriculture and Food Research Council Institute for Animal Health, Compton, Newbury.
The Veterinary Record
|October 3, 1992
Summary
Summer mastitis affected over half of surveyed dairy farms in England during 1987, with pregnant heifers most susceptible. Economic losses, primarily from reduced milk production, cost the UK dairy industry millions.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- Dairy Cattle Health
- Infectious Disease in Livestock
Background:
- Summer mastitis is a significant disease affecting dairy cattle, particularly during summer months.
- Understanding its incidence and economic impact is crucial for dairy farm management.
- Previous data on summer mastitis prevalence and associated losses in the UK was limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of summer mastitis on dairy farms in southern England during 1987.
- To analyze the clinical outcomes, treatment protocols, and economic consequences of summer mastitis.
- To estimate the overall cost of summer mastitis to the UK dairy industry.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 95 dairy farms in southern England monitored summer mastitis incidence in 1987.
- Data collected for 144 cases included animal type, treatment, and outcomes.
- Economic losses were calculated based on milk production, animal value, culling, and calf losses.
Main Results:
- Over 50% of farms reported summer mastitis cases, with 36% experiencing multiple infections.
- Pregnant and calving heifers had the highest incidence (over 2%), while calves had the lowest (0.04%).
- Lost milk production (49%) and lost animal value (37%) were the primary economic drivers, averaging £192 per case.
Conclusions:
- Summer mastitis poses a substantial economic threat to the UK dairy industry, estimated at £6.22 million in 1987.
- Targeted interventions for high-risk groups like heifers may be necessary.
- Effective treatment strategies, including antibiotics, were employed but did not eliminate significant economic impact.
