Mastitis in Cows & Buffaloes

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is inflammation of the udder. It is usually caused by bacteria that enter through the teat opening and multiply in the milk-making tissue. It is one of the most common and costly problems in dairy cows and buffaloes.

There are two kinds. In clinical mastitis, you can see the problem: the milk changes, or the udder is swollen or painful. In subclinical mastitis, the milk and udder look normal, but the number of cells in the milk rises and the yield and quality fall. Subclinical mastitis is more common than clinical mastitis and can only be found with milk tests.

Some germs, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae, spread from animal to animal at milking time through hands, cloths and machines. Others, such as E. coli, come from dung, wet bedding and mud.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Clots, flakes or watery milk
• Blood-stained or discoloured milk
• A swollen, hot, hard or painful quarter
• A drop in milk yield
• Fever, not eating and weakness in severe cases

Which lab tests help

The California Mastitis Test (CMT) is a quick paddle test done quarter by quarter. Milk mixed with the test liquid thickens when cell levels are high, which can reveal subclinical mastitis. The Somatic Cell Count (SCC) - Milk counts the cells in milk; a rising count signals udder inflammation. The Mastitis Test (CMT) & Somatic Cell Count combines both in one booking.

To find the germ, the Milk Culture & Sensitivity (Mastitis) grows bacteria from the milk and shows which antibiotics may work. The sample must be taken clean, from the affected quarter, into a sterile bottle, and before any antibiotic is given. The Mastitis Pathogen RT-PCR Panel typically looks for germs such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species and E. coli; the exact list is confirmed when you book. PCR does not show antibiotic sensitivity. If mastitis keeps spreading through a herd, the Mycoplasma bovis Milk RT-PCR can look for Mycoplasma bovis, which routine culture can miss.

A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with the animal's signs, stage of lactation and history. Milk test results are for your information and do not replace official food-safety testing.

When to see your vet

Call your vet promptly if you see changes in the milk or udder. Call at once if the animal has fever, stops eating, is weak or lies down, because severe mastitis can be life-threatening.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab in Shahpura, Bhopal provides free sample collection anywhere in Bhopal. The Mastitis Control Pack combines a mastitis milk test with a blood count. From other districts, milk samples can be sent through your local vet, by courier or by bus parcel; the lab coordinates by phone or WhatsApp on +91 88175 01118. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.