Mastitis is the most economically significant disease in dairy cattle and causes significant pain and distress in affected cows.
Mastitis in dairy cattle is a persistent welfare problem with well-established prevention tools that are inconsistently applied across the industry. Affected cows experience significant pain from udder inflammation that manifests in changed gait, reduced feed intake, and visible discomfort. Severe clinical mastitis can progress to life-threatening systemic infection. Prevention programs that combine excellent milking hygiene, appropriate dry cow therapy, and clean housing environments can dramatically reduce mastitis rates. The welfare and economic incentives align clearly, making mastitis prevention a compelling case for welfare-economics integration in dairy farming.