Mastitis is the most costly disease in dairy farming and a major source of cow suffering. Prevention through hygiene, teat management, and dry cow therapy reduces welfare harm at scale.
Mastitis causes genuine suffering in affected cows — udder pain, fever, reduced activity, and in severe cases systemic shock. The prevalence in most commercial herds reflects that it is largely preventable but that prevention requires investment. Teat hygiene protocols, dry cow therapy to eliminate infection at drying off, teat sealants, and maintaining clean, dry lying areas all reduce mastitis incidence. High-performing herds achieve clinical mastitis rates below 15%. When mastitis does occur, prompt detection through regular milk recording and early treatment with appropriate antibiotics dramatically improves recovery and welfare outcomes.