Summer Mastitis in Cattle: Welfare Emergency in the Dry Cow
Summer mastitis causes a severely painful, often gangrenous udder infection in dry cows and heifers, representing one of the most serious welfare emergencies in cattle farming.
Key Facts
- Caused by Trueperella pyogenes and other bacteria, transmitted by flies particularly in hot months
- Affects dry cows and heifers, typically in summer and early autumn
- Causes a severely swollen, painful udder with foul-smelling discharge
- Affected animals are systemically ill with fever, anorexia, and severe lameness from udder pain
- Fly control is the primary prevention strategy; prompt treatment is essential
Welfare Considerations
Summer mastitis creates one of the most severe welfare emergencies in cattle practice. The gangrenous infection produces extreme udder pain causing marked lameness and distress, combined with systemic illness from toxaemia. Affected cattle are profoundly unwell and without prompt antibiotic treatment, die or require emergency euthanasia. Even with treatment, the affected quarter is usually permanently destroyed. Fly control from June to October, udder teat sealing, and Stockholm tar application to teat ends significantly reduce risk. The preventable nature of most summer mastitis cases through fly control makes it particularly important from a welfare standpoint.
What You Can Do
- Implement comprehensive fly control from June to October
- Use teat sealants in dry cows to prevent summer mastitis
- Check dry cows and in-calf heifers regularly for udder changes
- Act immediately when summer mastitis is suspected — contact your vet urgently
- Euthanize severely affected animals without delay when prognosis is poor