Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Heat Stress Summer Mastitis Prevention

Summer mastitis in dry dairy cows and beef heifers causes severe welfare harm and is preventable through fly control and dry cow management.

Key Facts

Arcanobacterium pyogenes and other bacteria cause summer mastitis transmitted by head flies
Affected animals develop severe gangrenous mastitis causing systemic illness and quarter loss
Dry cows and heifers in late pregnancy are at highest risk during summer months
Fly repellent applications and teat sealants at drying off are the primary prevention measures
Treatment has poor outcomes and prevention is far more effective than cure

Welfare Considerations

Summer mastitis causes extreme pain, systemic illness and permanent quarter loss in affected cattle. The condition is largely preventable through fly control and dry cow management. The welfare case for proactive prevention rather than reactive treatment is compelling.

What You Can Do

Implement fly repellent programmes for dry cows and late-pregnancy heifers in summer
Discuss teat sealant use at drying off as a prevention strategy with your vet
Monitor dry cows and heifers closely in summer for early signs of mastitis