Diseases of the female mammary glands in sheep, goats and cattle

The mammary gland (udder) of the female in sheep, goats and cattle is susceptible to various diseases, mainly infections, which can affect milk production and the health of the animal.

The following is an overview of the main diseases and disorders of the female mammary gland:

1. Mastitis

The most common and important disease.

Causes:

Bacteria (mainly Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, E. coli), sometimes also fungi.

Main forms:

Acute mastitis:

The udder is swollen, hot, red and painful. The milk changes – watery, lumpy or bloody. Sometimes there is fever and general weakness.

Subclinical mastitis:

Without external signs, but there is a decrease in milk yield and an increase in the number of somatic cells. Detected by laboratory tests.

Treatment:

Antibiotics (depending on culture), frequent emptying of the udder, supportive care.

Prevention: Milking hygiene, cleaning the udder before and after milking, disinfection, and vaccination in some cases.

2. Chronic mastitis

Develops after an acute infection that was not treated properly.

Causes scarring of the tissue and a permanent decrease in milk production.

The milk appears normal, but the gland hardens and loses function.

3. Udder Edema

Swelling of the udder before or after calving — common mainly in cows, but also in goats.

Cause: Impaired fluid drainage, high-salt diet, or circulatory problems.

Signs: Soft, painless swelling that appears mainly around calving.

Treatment: Reducing salt in the diet, massage, walking, and sometimes mild diuretics.

4. Udder Abscesses

Caused by bacterial infections that enter through a wound or puncture.

Signs: Hard lumps in the udder, sometimes painful.

Treatment: Sterile drainage of the abscess, antibiotics.

5. Infections caused by Mycoplasma or Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis

Mainly in goats.

Cause atypical mastitis, a sharp decrease in milk yield and sometimes spread to systemic infections.

6. Trauma and wounds in the udder

Bruises, scratches or bites can cause secondary infection.

Cleanliness must be maintained, especially in pastures or unclean floor conditions.

General Diagnosis

Milk Testing (Culture, Somatic Cell Count)

Clinical Examination of the Udder (Swelling, Pain, Color Change)

Sometimes Use of CMT (California Mastitis Test)

*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.