Mastitis is the most prevalent and costly disease that affects dairy cows. Producers have been struggling to corner the disease for years, but it continues to be the single largest obstacle for the dairy industry. The ability to detect mastitis early and do something about it can have a significant impact on milk production, milk quality and herd health. When microorganisms invade a dairy cow’s udder this triggers an immune response that results in mastitis, an inflammation of the cow’s mammary gland. Mastitis-causing pathogens can be contagious, spreading from cow to cow, or environmental, coming from dirty or wet conditions in the cow’s living area.
Clinical mastitis infections are those with symptoms like udder swelling or redness that are visible to the naked eye. On the other hand, subclinical mastitis infections don’t cause any visible changes in milk or udder appearance, making it difficult to detect.
Subclinical mastitis infections affect the dairy producer’s bottom line by reducing milk production, decreasing milk quality, and suppressing reproductive performance. Cows with a high Somatic Cell Count (SCC) indicative of subclinical mastitis on the first milk test have an estimated loss in milk production of more than 1,500 pounds per cow.
These are the most common symptoms of mastitis:
Fast heart rate (tachycardia) Hot, swollen breasts.
A red, painful, or hot “wedge-shaped” swelling on a breast, or both breasts.
A red, painful, or hot lump in your breast, Red streaks on your breasts, Body aches, Chills.
Summary
Subclinical mastitis is a hidden form of udder infection in dairy animals, especially cows, that shows no visible signs like swelling, heat, or changes in milk appearance. Unlike clinical mastitis, it goes unnoticed without testing, making it harder to detect. It is usually caused by bacterial pathogens that invade the udder through the teat canal. The most common bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and environmental organisms like E. coli. This condition leads to an increase in somatic cell count (SCC) in the milk, which is a key indicator of infection. Subclinical mastitis can persist for long periods, silently reducing milk yield and altering milk composition. It compromises milk quality and shelf life, affecting dairy product processing. Economic losses from subclinical mastitis are often greater than those from clinical cases due to reduced production and undetected spread. It is commonly diagnosed using the California Mastitis Test (CMT), SCC analysis, or milk culture.
Poor milking hygiene, dirty housing, and stress can increase the risk. Effective control includes regular screening, proper milking procedures, and dry cow therapy. Vaccination and good herd management also help reduce incidence. Farmers must monitor herd health closely. Early detection and prompt action are key to preventing long-term damage.
Causes
Subclinical mastitis can be caused by environmental pathogens (coliforms, non-agalactiae Streptococcus, and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) or contagious pathogens (Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, or Mycoplasma species).
Vitamin E and Se are essential nutrients that share common biological activities. Deficiencies in either of these micronutrients have been related in increased incidence and severity of mastitis.
Symptoms of mastitis
- a swollen area on your breast that may feel hot and painful to touch – the area may become red but this can be harder to see if you have black or brown skin.
- a wedge-shaped breast lump or a hard area on your breast.
- a burning pain in your breast that might be constant or only when you breastfeed.
What is Subclinical Mastitis? FAQs
- What is subclinical mastitis?
It’s a hidden udder infection in dairy animals with no visible signs but causes inflammation and reduced milk quality. - How is it detected?
Through tests like the California Mastitis Test (CMT) or by measuring somatic cell count (SCC) in milk. - What causes it?
Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and environmental pathogens. - What are the effects?
Decreased milk yield, poor milk quality, and economic losses. - How is it different from clinical mastitis?
Clinical mastitis shows visible symptoms; subclinical does not. - Can it spread?
Yes, especially if undetected and untreated. - How is it prevented?
Good milking hygiene, regular testing, dry cow therapy, and proper herd management. - Is it treatable?
Yes, with appropriate veterinary guidance and management practices.
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