Mastitis is one of the most common and painful conditions affecting dairy cows, with significant welfare implications and economic costs that make prevention critical.
Mastitis is both a leading welfare concern and a leading production cost in dairy farming — making it an area where welfare and economic incentives align for prevention. Good hygiene, regular health monitoring, appropriate dry cow therapy, and prompt treatment of clinical cases all reduce mastitis prevalence and severity. The economic motivation for prevention is strong but welfare benefits are often undersold.