[The litter - Aspergillus - mastitis]

A number of cases of bovine mastitis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus are reported. The animals showed considerably swollen hard quarters associated with the production of large quantities of watery secretion and symptoms of systemic disease. Both intramammary and systemic treatment with several antibacterial agents failed to produce any improvement, nor did an antimycotic administered by intramammary route result in improvement. Severe mastitis marked by mycotic lesions was observed on slaughter, and the causative agent was found to be present again. Contamination had apparently originated from the litter (sawdust), and infection resulting from intramammary treatment could not be ruled out. The role pf predisposing factors and the fact that Aspergillus is common fungus in various types of litter are stressed.