MYCOPLASMA MASTITIS IN DAIRY-COWS

Mycoplasma mastitis is widely distributed and is an important cause of economic loss in many intensified dairy farms. At least 11 species of Mycoplasma have been isolated from milk; Mycoplasma bovis is the most frequently encountered and important species in dairy cows. The preva lence of Mycoplasma in bulk tank milk samples has been reported to be as high as 6%. Chronically infected cows are the prime reservoir of My coplasma, and spread of the disease most commonly occurs during the mi lking process. Classic clinical mastitis includes an increased inciden ce of resistance to treatment, often in multiple quarters with product ion loss. Somatic cell counts are elevated in animals with subclinical and clinical infections. Many methods are available for early detecti on and separation of Mycoplasma. Treatment of animals with the disease is unsatisfactory and results in the need for other interventions, su ch as separation or culling. Prevention techniques, such as a closed-h erd concept and good milking hygiene, are the best protection against infection and spread of Mycoplasma species in dairy herds.