What is mastitis?And how to prevent it

Mastitis in Dairy Cows: Detect, Treat & Prevent for a Healthier Herd

Introduction

Mastitis is the most widespread udder disease in modern dairy farming. By inflaming the mammary gland it lowers milk quality, reduces yield and threatens the welfare of every cow. Even a single untreated case can escalate into a high cell count, hyperkeratosis at the teat end and significant financial loss. This page explains what mastitis is, how to recognise the earliest mastitis symptoms, and which mastitis treatment and prevention strategies keep your herd productive and healthy.

What Is Mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the udder tissue, usually triggered when bacteria enter the teat canal. Once inside, pathogens multiply rapidly, damaging milk-producing cells and provoking the cow’s immune system. The battle between bacteria and leukocytes releases enzymes that raise Somatic Cell Count (SCC)—the main indicator of a high cell count. If irritation persists the teat skin often develops hyperkeratosis (thickened callus around the teat orifice), creating an even bigger gateway for infection.

Understanding the Bigger Picture
Mastitis is not only the most common disease in dairy cows—it’s also one of the most expensive. The consequences go beyond milk loss and treatment costs: long-term inflammation weakens teat condition, increases the risk of chronic cases, and shortens the productive life of the cow.

That’s why early detection and prevention are key. Subtle signs such as a slight drop in milk yield, raised SCC levels, or early signs of hyperkeratosis often indicate an underlying problem. At AktivPULS, we believe that proper milking starts with the right equipment—liners that protect the teat, promote even vacuum distribution, and prevent damage at the teat orifice.

By improving liner design and focusing on teat-end condition, it’s possible to reduce both the incidence and severity of mastitis. The result? Healthier cows, higher milk quality, and more efficient milking.

How to Detect Mastitis Early

Visual & Physical Checks

Swollen or hard quarter
Heat or pain on touch
Watery, flaky or clotted milk

Cow-Side Tests

California Mastitis Test (CMT): Instant, low-cost SCC estimate.
Electrical conductivity sensors: Built into many parlours and robots; an early warning for salt imbalance caused by infection.