E-coli mastitis in cattle - clinical features, therapy and zoonotic aspects

Based on the investigation of 638 cases of colimastitis in dairy cows, whic h included the examination of a total of 762 infected udder quarters, clini cal symptoms are described, discussing etiological and therapeutic aspects. The increasing number of E. call mastitis can no longer be controlled by t herapeutic measures alone. New prophylactic measures for preventing the inf ection will have to be established through better knowledge of the etiology of the disease. Furthermore, the zoonotic aspects of colimastitis are addr essed, since the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) in humans, which is caused by enterohemorrhagic strains of E. coli (EHEC), possibly often results fro m the consumption of raw milk or raw milk products.