Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Dairy Cow Mastitis Prevention

Mastitis is the most common and costly disease in dairy farming, causing pain to millions of cows and representing a major welfare challenge.

Key Facts

Mastitis is an inflammation of the udder caused by bacterial infection
Clinical mastitis affects 25 to 40 percent of dairy cows annually in intensive systems
Pain causes reduced milk production, feed intake, and behavioral changes
Regular milking hygiene and teat dipping dramatically reduce mastitis rates

Welfare Considerations

Mastitis causes localized udder pain, systemic fever, lethargy, and reduced milk production. Chronic subclinical mastitis may persist for months causing ongoing discomfort without obvious clinical signs. Intensive milking schedules and high milk production genetics increase mastitis risk. Prevention through management, milking hygiene, and vaccination is more effective and humane than relying on antibiotic treatment.

What You Can Do

Support dairy farms certified to high welfare standards
Advocate for low-intensity milking programs that reduce mastitis risk
Choose dairy from pasture-based systems with lower disease rates
Reduce dairy consumption or switch to plant-based alternatives