Farm Animals

Cattle Welfare and Mastitis Pain Management

Mastitis is the most common disease in dairy cows and causes significant pain, with 2026 bringing improved pain management protocols.

Key Facts

Clinical mastitis affects 25-40% of dairy cows annually in many countries
Mastitis pain includes both the infection itself and gland engorgement
NSAIDs given at the time of treatment significantly reduce pain duration
Only 30% of mastitis cases receive NSAID pain relief in some surveys
New 2026 guidance recommends NSAID treatment as mandatory for all clinical mastitis cases

Welfare Considerations

Mastitis pain is pervasive, undertreated, and largely avoidable. NSAIDs are inexpensive, effective, and should be standard of care for every mastitis case.

What You Can Do

Advocate for mandatory NSAID protocols in mastitis treatment guidelines
Support dairy welfare certification including pain management requirements
Choose dairy from farms with documented mastitis pain management standards