Aspects of the epidemiology of bovine staphylococcal mastitis

Abstract

Strains of Staphylococcus aureus which are not susceptible to many antibiotics are now generally regarded as the most important pathogens in bovine mastitis. More effective methods for controlling the disease must, therefore, take into account recent advances in our knowledge of the epidemiology of the disease. These include information about the principal habitats of S. aureus in the host, the minimal numbers of organisms that may establish new udder infections, which animals act as reservoirs of infection in herds, and the transmission of infection in lactating and non-lactating cows. Such matters are discussed in relation to the application of mastitis control measures involving herd management, hygiene, antibiotic therapy, culling and milking machine maintenance.