Bovine mastitis: a persistent and evolving problem requiring novel approaches for its control - a review

Mastitis in dairy cows is the inflammation of the mammary gland, and is the most important cause of economic losses in the modem dairy industry. Bovine mastitis is often infectious and can be caused by some 150 microbial species. "lime environment of the dairy cow is heavily colonized by microbiota, while milk is an ideal medium for propagation of the bacteria and causative agents. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen isolated from the mammary-gland capable of causing health disorders in humans. Milk from an infected mammary gland has a different chemical composition compared to milk from healthy cows. Certain differences, such as protein components specific to inflamed tissue, are currently being considered in the development of diagnostic tools for mastitis. The known risk factors for mastitis can result in mastitis at the quarter, cow and herd levels. Mastitis treatment includes both preventive and therapy measures, and is primarily based on the use of antibiotics. Recent approaches to mastitis therapy have been 'focused on the design and use of natural therapeutics, such as zeolites, ozone and propolis, that could serve as alternatives to antibiotics.