A 100-Year Review: Mastitis detection, management, and prevention

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Dairy Production

Background:

• Mastitis is a prevalent disease in dairy cows, impacting animal welfare and farm economics.
• Historical efforts focused on controlling contagious pathogens like Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus.
• Evolving herd management necessitates addressing environmental mastitis pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and highlight key advancements in mastitis detection, management, and prevention since 1917.
• To trace the evolution of mastitis control strategies over the last century.
• To underscore the ongoing importance of mastitis research in dairy farming.

Main Methods:

• Historical literature review of mastitis research published in the Journal of Dairy Science.
• Analysis of shifts in research focus from contagious to environmental mastitis pathogens.
• Examination of the development of diagnostic and control strategies.

Main Results:

• Early research identified pathogens and developed control for contagious mastitis (e.g., teat dipping, dry-off therapy).
• Later research addressed environmental mastitis and optimized antimicrobial use.
• Significant progress has been made in understanding infection mechanisms and disease states.

Conclusions:

• Mastitis control has evolved from pathogen identification to comprehensive management strategies.
• Antimicrobial stewardship is crucial for maintaining animal health and minimizing resistance.
• Continued research is essential due to evolving dairy farming practices and standards.