New Concepts in the Causes and Control of Mastitis

Excerpt

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland that is most often caused by bacterial infection and can affect all lactating mammals. Results from epidemiological studies suggest that up to a third of all lactating women will become ill with mastitis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of mastitis in women is required to prevent lactation failure, recurrent mastitis, breast abscess, and even death in some situations [1]. Mastitis also is a significant health problem in food-producing animals such as dairy cattle. Results from the most recent National Animal Health Monitoring Survey indicate that mastitis continues to be the most prevalent disease affecting adult dairy cows in the United States [2]. Economic losses associated with mastitis will cost American dairy producers approximately $2 billion in lost profits each year. Factors that impact the profitability of dairy production include decreased milk production and quality, treatment costs, replacement animal costs, and reduced ability to market dairy products. Even though there has been considerable research into the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies to control the disease, mastitis continues to be a significant issue in both human and veterinary medicine. …