BOVINE MASTITIS AND MILK QUALITY, A CHALLENGE FOR HUMAN HEALTH

It addresses aspects of the impact of infectious diseases, especially bovine mastitis, on the quality of milk and the economic losses it causes in the industry worldwide and in Ecuador. Mastitis is a pathology that is triggered by multifactorial factors in cattle. The quality at the moment of milking and the adequate control of this clinical and subclinical disease, are important factors for the profitability of a farm, however, this disease continues to be one of the most important problems today, representing a high percentage (70) of the total expenses for dairy producers. In Ecuador, 75% of the total production is destined for human and industrial consumption. The main factors that influence quality are the absence of hygiene in the milking routine, the poor functioning of the equipment, the deficient handling of disinfectants and sealants, the non-identification of the infectious agent and finally the effectiveness of the control measures and treatments. It was concluded that bovine mastitis is a major public health problem that causes a decrease in the quality and quantity of processed milk, a situation that can be improved with the application of good livestock practices.