Summer mastitis affects dry cows and heifers in late summer, causing severe systemic illness and often resulting in permanent loss of the affected quarter.
Summer mastitis causes acute severe pain from acute mastitic inflammation, with the rapid progression to gangrene if untreated causing irreversible tissue destruction and intense suffering. Prevention through teat sealants and fly control is simple and highly effective - summer mastitis is largely a preventable disease. Daily observation of at-risk animals during August-September enables early detection and treatment.