Bovine mastitis in milk-producing cows: occurrence, control and prevention methods

  • Douglas Wilson Schvarz Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
  • José Maurício Gonçalves dos Santos Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Keywords: Bovine Mastitis, Environmental Control, Hygiene During Milking

Abstract

Bovine mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary parenchyma caused by such infectious agents as viruses, fungi, yeasts and mainly bacteria. Mastitis is the most relevant disease that affects milk cows in Brazil and abroad, with great economical liabilities. The disease may have a clinical or a sub-clinical form and diagnosis may be carried out by a serum exam or by a laboratory test by counting somatic cells in the milk. Treatment is undertaken according to diagnosis or by the isolation of the pathogenic microorganism. Antibiotics, anti-fungus and anti-inflammatory drugs may be employed and in certain cases fluid-based therapy. Mastitis control aims at reducing new infections by good hygiene practices during milking and within the pens. Main control method consists of prevention through the establishment of good management practices on the farm, treatment of diseased animals and slaughtering of chronic cases. The main control methods of mastitis prevention in milk cattle are therefore investigated.

Author Biographies

Douglas Wilson Schvarz, Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Graduado em Medicina Veterinária pelo Centro Universitário de Maringá – CESUMAR; Email: dschvarz@hotmail.com
José Maurício Gonçalves dos Santos, Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
M
Published
2012-03-27
Section
Agrobusiness