Summer mastitis in dry dairy cows and heifers causes severe systemic illness that requires aggressive treatment and can cause permanent udder damage.
Summer mastitis causes one of the most acutely severe disease episodes in cattle, with systemic illness, intense udder pain, and permanent loss of milk production in affected quarters. The condition develops rapidly and can be fatal. Preventive measures including fly control and teat sealants are highly effective and represent the most welfare-responsible management approach.