From Infection to Impact: Unraveling Mastitis in Dairy Animals — A Comprehensive Review of Causes, Consequences, and Control

Abstract

Mastitis is well known as one of the most notable and expensive illnesses in dairy cattle and buffaloes around the globe, causing millions of losses to the economic sector and health issues among the people. Having an inflammatory nature of the mammary gland, the disease is primarily the result of pathogenic microorganisms, which are either of contagious origin (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) or environmental origin (e.g., Escherichia coli). The pathogens gain entry through the teat canal, multiply and secrete toxins that destroy milk-secreting tissues, developing an immune response that leads to a rise in somatic cell counts (SCC). This activity has a tremendous impact on the milk composition by decreasing the contents of vital nutrients such as casein and calcium and increasing sodium and chloride content, which diminishes milk quality and processing efficiency. Subclinical mastitis is more common epidemiologically than clinical mastitis and, in many cases, it goes unnoticed and results in losses in productivity in the long-term. In other areas such as Pakistan, the prevalence of subclinical cases may be as high as 50.7 in cattle. In addition to farm economic factors, mastitis is a public health hazard due to the possibility of zoonotic pathogen transmission and the availability of antibiotics in the milk products. Although antibiotic therapy has been a widely used treatment method, it is usually limited by antimicrobial resistance. Modern control approaches, therefore, focus on a holistic approach of enhanced milking hygiene, application of germicidal teat dips, dry cow therapy and introducing precision dairy technologies. Resistance to prevention and improved host immunity constitute the key to sustainable management of dairy production to guarantee health of the udder, safety of the milk, and profitability of the dairy sector.