Mastitis in cows is an inflammation of the mammary gland (udder) caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. It is the single most economically damaging disease in the Indian dairy industry, costing farmers billions annually. Recognizing symptoms early — swollen udder, abnormal milk, fever — and beginning prompt antibiotic treatment can save the animal and protect your income.
Picture this: it’s a Monday morning in Karnal, Haryana. A dairy farmer walks into his shed to find his best HF cross producing barely half her usual milk — thick, clotted, foul-smelling. Her udder is hot to the touch. She kicks every time he comes near. This is mastitis, and for millions of Indian dairy farmers, it’s a nightmare that arrives without warning.
Mastitis is not just a health problem — it is a business crisis. A single mastitis episode can slash a cow’s milk production by 6–7 kg per day and leave a farmer counting losses well into the next lactation. Understanding mastitis in cattle is the first step to fighting it, and that’s exactly what this guide is for.
What Is Mastitis in Cows?
Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland (udder) tissue in dairy animals, most commonly triggered by microbial infection entering through the teat canal. The term comes from the Greek ‘mastos’ (breast) + ‘itis’ (inflammation). It is classified as the most prevalent and economically devastating disease in dairy cattle worldwide.
In India, mastitis disease in cattle is a critical concern because the country holds the world’s largest livestock population and is the #1 milk producer globally. Yet, subclinical mastitis — the silent, symptomless form — affects 40–63% of Indian dairy animals, according to recent research published in 2025.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Metric | Data |
| Global economic loss from mastitis | USD 35 billion per year |
| India’s annual loss (mastitis) | ₹6,000–7,165 crore per year |
| Subclinical mastitis prevalence (India) | 40–63% of dairy animals |
| Clinical mastitis prevalence (India) | 1–10% of dairy animals |
| Milk yield loss per affected cow/day | 6–7 kg (from normal 9–10 kg) |
| Economic loss per lactation (crossbred cow) | ₹1,390–₹3,206 per animal |
| Most affected season | Monsoon (July–September) |
| Most susceptible lactation month | 4th–5th month of lactation |
| Most affected breed | Purebred HF and Jersey crosses |
| Subclinical share of total milk loss | ~70% of all milk losses |
Types of Mastitis in Cattle
Understanding the types of mastitis in cattle helps in accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. There are four main types:
| Type | Symptoms | Risk Level | Diagnosis |
| Peracute (Hyperacute) | Sudden onset, severe swelling, fever >104°F, toxic shock | Life-threatening | Clinical exam + milk culture |
| Acute Clinical | Visible udder swelling, abnormal milk, reduced appetite | High | CMT + physical exam |
| Subacute Clinical | Mild swelling, slightly abnormal milk, no systemic signs | Moderate | CMT + SCC |
| Subclinical | No visible signs; reduced SCC quality, hidden infection | High (silent) | CMT, SCC, BTB test |
| Chronic | Recurring, fibrotic udder tissue, persistent low yields | Long-term | Culture + sensitivity test |
What Causes Mastitis Disease in Cattle?
Primary Bacterial Causes
Bacteria are responsible for the vast majority of mastitis cases. The most commonly identified organisms in Indian dairy herds include:
- Staphylococcus aureus — the most prevalent contagious pathogen
- Streptococcus agalactiae — spreads during milking
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) — environmental pathogen; causes severe acute episodes
- Klebsiella spp. — common in poorly maintained sheds
- Pseudomonas pyocyaneus
- Mycobacterium bovis
Fungal & Viral Causes
- Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida spp. — often after prolonged antibiotic use
- Viral agents — contribute to immunosuppression, increasing susceptibility
Predisposing / Risk Factors
A 2025 study on bovine mastitis from PMC highlighted that the following risk factors significantly elevate infection rates:
- Improper or incomplete milking practices
- Lack of teat dipping pre/post milking
- Wet, unclean housing conditions (especially during monsoon)
- High-production crossbred animals (HF, Jersey) are more susceptible than indigenous breeds
- Later lactation stages (4th–5th month)
- Animals with pendulous udders or long cylindrical teats
- Large herd sizes with poor biosecurity
Symptoms of Mastitis in Cows — How to Identify It Early
Early detection of mastitis in cows can mean the difference between a full recovery and permanent udder damage. Here’s what to look for:
Visible Physical Signs
- Udder is visibly swollen, red, hard, or hot to touch
- Cow refuses milking or kicks when udder is touched
- One or more quarters appear asymmetric or enlarged
- Sunken eyes, reduced appetite, lethargy
Milk Changes
- Watery, clotted, or stringy milk
- Blood-tinged or brown-coloured discharge
- Foul-smelling milk with visible pus in severe cases
- Abrupt and significant drop in milk yield
Systemic Symptoms
- Elevated body temperature (fever > 39.5°C / 103°F)
- Increased heart rate and breathing rate
- Signs of toxaemia or bacteraemia in peracute cases
- Diarrhoea and digestive disorders
Pro Tip: Use the California Mastitis Test (CMT) for early subclinical detection. It’s a simple, low-cost test that detects raised somatic cell counts (SCC) in milk. Modified CMT (MCMT) has a sensitivity of 95.16% and specificity of 98.02%, making it the gold standard for field diagnosis in India.
Mastitis in Cows Treatment — Step-by-Step Protocol
Treatment of mastitis in cattle depends on the type and severity of infection. Here is a practical, vet-approved treatment framework:
Step 1: Accurate Diagnosis
- Perform CMT or SFMT (Surf Field Mastitis Test) on all quarters
- Collect milk sample for bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing
- Check somatic cell count (SCC) if lab facility is available
- Record clinical signs: temperature, udder condition, milk appearance
Step 2: Antibiotic Therapy (Intramammary + Systemic)
Intramammary antibiotic infusion remains the cornerstone of mastitis treatment in cows. Research published in PMC shows that combining intramammary antibiotics with supportive therapies significantly improves recovery rates:
| Treatment Group | Recovery Rate (Quarters) | Recovery Rate (Cows) |
| Intramammary antibiotics only | 51.6% | 53.3% |
| Antibiotics + Antioxidants | 63.3% | 66.7% |
| Antibiotics + Immunomodulator | 58.3% | 60.9% |
| Antibiotics + NSAIDs (Flunixin) | 58.3% | 58.0% |
Key antibiotics used: Enrofloxacin (highest sensitivity at 53.91%), Ampicillin (lowest at 7.83% — avoid as first-line), Oxytetracycline.
Step 3: Supportive Therapy
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce udder swelling and pain
- IV fluids and electrolytes for dehydrated/toxic animals
- Calcium boluses — mastitis often co-occurs with milk fever
- Antioxidants (Vitamin E, Selenium) to boost immune response
- Liver tonics and feed supplements to restore appetite and nutrition
Step 4: Milk Management During Treatment
- Strip and discard milk from infected quarters 3–4 times daily
- Do NOT mix mastitis milk with the main supply
- Observe withdrawal periods strictly for all medications
Step 5: Dry Cow Therapy
Treating cows at the time of drying off with intramammary antibiotics (dry cow tubes) prevents mastitis during the dry period — a critical, high-risk phase. This is one of the most cost-effective prevention strategies available.
Mastitis Prevention: Best Practices for Indian Dairy Farms
Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than treatment. Here are the most effective prevention strategies:
| Practice | Frequency | Impact Level |
| Pre-milking teat dipping (iodine-based) | Every milking | Very High |
| Post-milking teat dipping | Every milking | Very High |
| California Mastitis Test (CMT) screening | Monthly | High |
| Proper milking machine maintenance | Weekly check | High |
| Clean, dry bedding and housing | Daily | High |
| Dry cow antibiotic therapy | At each dry-off | Very High |
| Culling of chronically infected cows | As needed | High |
| Vaccination (where available) | Per vet schedule | Moderate |
| Balanced nutrition & mineral supplements | Daily | Moderate–High |
| Somatic Cell Count (SCC) monitoring | Monthly | High |
Why Mastitis Is a Bigger Problem in North India — Haryana & Punjab Context
Haryana and Punjab together account for a disproportionate share of India’s crossbred dairy cattle population — the very animals most susceptible to mastitis. The National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, Haryana, has long flagged bovine mastitis as a top research priority for the region.
Research from GADVASU (Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab) confirms that subclinical mastitis is especially prevalent in the monsoon season across North India, with unorganised herds reporting significantly higher infection rates.
For farmers in this region, partnering with a reliable, locally accessible veterinary medicine company is critical. PetVet Healthcare, based in Ambala Cantt, Haryana — a short distance from Panchkula — has been serving dairy farmers and veterinarians across North India since 2019 with WHO-GMP certified veterinary medicines including antibiotic boluses, intramammary infusions, calcium supplements, and supportive feed supplements specifically designed for mastitis management in cattle.
PetVet Healthcare: Your Trusted Partner for Mastitis Management
When a farmer in Panchkula or a veterinarian in Ambala needs reliable, affordable, and certified mastitis medicines for cows, PetVet Healthcare delivers — batch after batch.
| What PetVet Offers | Relevance to Mastitis |
| WHO-GMP Certified Manufacturing | Guaranteed quality & safe drug formulations |
| Antibiotic Injections (Enrofloxacin, Oxytetracycline) | First-line mastitis treatment in cattle |
| Antibiotic Boluses | Systemic support during intramammary therapy |
| Calcium Boluses | Addresses milk fever that co-occurs with mastitis |
| Feed Supplements (Vitamins, Minerals) | Immune support & faster recovery |
| Liver Tonic & Electrolytes | Restores appetite and hydration post-mastitis |
| PCD Pharma Franchise | Veterinarians & distributors near Panchkula |
| Third-Party Manufacturing | Custom branded mastitis solutions for vet chains |
Contact PetVet Healthcare: +91 86074 15111 | petvetindia@gmail.com | NL Road, NH-1, Ambala Cantt, Haryana
Key Takeaways
- Mastitis in cows is the #1 economically damaging disease in Indian dairy farming, costing ₹6,000+ crore annually.
- Subclinical mastitis is far more prevalent (40–63%) than clinical mastitis but is often missed without CMT testing.
- Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli are the most common bacterial causes in Indian herds.
- Monsoon season and 4th–5th lactation month are highest-risk periods.
- Combining intramammary antibiotics with antioxidants improves recovery to ~66.7%.
- Dry cow therapy and consistent teat dipping are the single most effective prevention tools.
- High-yielding crossbred cows (HF, Jersey) are far more susceptible than indigenous breeds.
- PetVet Healthcare (Ambala Cantt) provides WHO-GMP certified mastitis medicines for dairy farms across Haryana and Panchkula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is mastitis in cows?
Mastitis in cows is the inflammation of the mammary gland (udder) caused by microbial infection — most commonly bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Streptococcus species. It leads to reduced milk production, abnormal milk quality, and significant economic loss for dairy farmers. It is classified into clinical (visible symptoms) and subclinical (no visible symptoms) forms.
Q2. What are the main symptoms of mastitis in cows?
Key symptoms include: swollen, hot, and hard udder; watery, clotted, or blood-tinged milk; sudden drop in milk yield; cow refusing to be milked; elevated body temperature (fever); reduced appetite; and in severe cases, diarrhoea, dehydration, and signs of blood poisoning (toxaemia). Subclinical mastitis has no visible signs and can only be detected through CMT or SCC testing.
Q3. What are the types of mastitis in cattle?
The five main types are: (1) Peracute — sudden, life-threatening;
(2) Acute clinical — visible symptoms, high fever;
(3) Subacute — mild signs, often overlooked;
(4) Subclinical — no visible signs, detected only by testing; and
(5) Chronic — recurring, causes permanent udder damage. Subclinical mastitis is the most economically harmful because it goes undetected for long periods.
Q4. What is the best treatment for mastitis in cows?
The most effective mastitis treatment combines intramammary antibiotic infusion with systemic antibiotics (e.g., Enrofloxacin, the most sensitive antibiotic at 53.91%), anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antioxidants (Vitamin E + Selenium), calcium supplementation, and IV fluids in severe cases. Studies show that combining antibiotics with antioxidants achieves the highest recovery rate of ~66.7%.
Q5. How is mastitis diagnosed in dairy cows?
The California Mastitis Test (CMT) is the most widely used field test, with 95.16% sensitivity. The Surf Field Mastitis Test (SFMT) is the most sensitive overall. Lab-based culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing is the gold standard for identifying the specific pathogen and selecting the most effective antibiotic. Milk pH, Bromothymol Blue (BTB) test, and electric conductivity are also used.
Q6. Can mastitis be prevented in dairy cattle?
Yes. Key prevention measures include: pre- and post-milking teat dipping with iodine, dry cow antibiotic therapy at every dry-off, regular CMT screening (monthly), maintaining clean and dry housing, proper milking machine maintenance, and balanced nutrition with calcium and mineral supplements. These measures, when consistently followed, can reduce mastitis incidence by over 50%.
Q7. Which cows are most prone to mastitis?
Purebred Holstein-Friesian (HF) and Jersey crossbred cows have the highest incidence of mastitis compared to indigenous breeds like Sahiwal or Tharparkar. Animals in their 4th–5th month of lactation, those with larger herds, and cows kept in poor hygiene conditions are at greatest risk. The monsoon season (July–September) sees the highest incidence in India.
Q8. How much economic loss does mastitis cause in India?
India’s annual economic loss from mastitis is estimated at ₹6,000–7,165 crore per year. Clinical mastitis accounts for losses of ₹17,000–30,000 million annually, while subclinical mastitis accounts for ₹41,500–43,650 million annually. Per animal, a crossbred cow can lose between ₹1,390 to ₹3,206 per lactation, factoring in milk loss, treatment cost, and reduced market value.
Q9. What is subclinical mastitis and why is it dangerous?
Subclinical mastitis is a form of udder infection where there are no visible symptoms — the udder looks normal, the cow shows no distress, but the milk quality is compromised and production quietly drops. It is responsible for approximately 70% of all mastitis-related milk losses in India. It is detected only through CMT, SCC testing, or BTB test. Left untreated, it progresses to clinical mastitis or permanent udder damage.
Q10. Where can I get mastitis medicines for cows near Panchkula?
PetVet Healthcare, located in Ambala Cantt, Haryana (just minutes from Panchkula), is a WHO-GMP certified veterinary pharma company offering a complete range of mastitis medicines including antibiotic injections, antibiotic boluses, calcium supplements, and supportive feed supplements. They also offer PCD franchise opportunities for veterinary distributors in the Panchkula and Chandigarh tricity region. Contact: +91 86074 15111.
Q11. Is mastitis contagious to humans?
Some mastitis-causing bacteria (such as Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus) are zoonotic, meaning they can theoretically transfer to humans through raw, unpasteurised milk from infected cows. This is one more reason mastitis milk must never enter the human food supply. Always pasteurise milk, and discard milk from infected quarters during treatment and for the withdrawal period after antibiotic use.
Q12. What is dry cow therapy for mastitis?
Dry cow therapy involves infusing intramammary antibiotics into each teat at the time the cow stops milking (dry-off). This clears existing subclinical infections before the next lactation and protects the udder during the dry period — a particularly vulnerable phase. It is one of the most cost-effective and impactful mastitis prevention strategies, recommended by the International Dairy Federation and Indian veterinary experts alike.
