Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Factors affecting the probability of bacteriological cure of bovine mastitis.
- Journal:
- Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- Degen, S et al.
Plain-English summary
This study looked at what factors influence the chances of successfully treating mastitis, an infection in dairy cows that affects their milk production. The researchers aimed to help farmers and veterinarians decide whether to treat an infected cow or to remove her from the herd, especially to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use that could lead to resistant bacteria. They found that factors like the cow's age, her history of mastitis, how many quarters (sections of the udder) are infected, and the level of certain cells in her milk can all impact the likelihood of a successful treatment. Understanding these factors is crucial, especially for chronic cases of mastitis, which can lead to significant losses in milk production. Overall, this research provides valuable information to help make better treatment decisions for affected cows.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to review factors affecting the probability of cure of bovine mastitis and thereby establish criteria for deciding whether to treat or cull individual animals. A further objective was to avoid redundant treatment with antibiotics so as to reduce the risk of pathogen resistance and enhance economic benefit. In evaluating success of therapy, bacteriological cure is the standard type of cure and is defined as elimination of mastitis-causing pathogens from the mammary gland. Administration of antibiotics is considered reasonable only when there is a prospect of bacteriological cure. In addition to age of the affected cow, the history of mastitis, number of infected quarters and somatic cell count affect the probability of bacteriological cure. Identifying and characterising chronic mastitis, which causes enormous production losses, are especially important to prevent unnecessary treatment and to decide whether or not to cull. To our knowledge, this is the first work providing a complete list of factors that have been confirmed in scientific literature to influence the probability of cure. This review should support farmers and veterinarians in deciding between culling and administering appropriate therapy to an affected animal.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25960107/