Good news from the UK dairy sector - the industry’s focus on mastitis control and better antibiotic management is showing real results. Recent figures reveal that mastitis cases have dropped from 42 per 100 cows in 2020 to just 26 per 100 cows in 2024, a strong sign that efforts around hygiene, housing, and milking routines are making a difference.

Healthier cows, fewer antibiotics

Over the past five years, total antimicrobial use on UK dairy farms has gone down by nearly 20%, according to data from Kingshay, part of the VetPartners group.

• Average antimicrobial use fell from 15.7 mg/kg PCU in 2020 to 12.7 mg/kg PCU in 2024.

• Antibiotic use in dry cow therapy dropped by almost 6%, and for lactating cows by more than 10%.

These are big steps forward in responsible antibiotic use, and importantly, herd health and milk production have not suffered as a result.

Prevention pays off

Mastitis remains one of the most common and costly diseases in dairy farming, with each case costing between €250 and €350 once you factor in treatment, lost yield, and discarded milk. That’s why the industry’s investment in prevention, from cleaner milking routines to improved bedding and housing, is proving to be worth it.

Dr. Tim Potter from Westpoint Farm Vets explains that as antibiotic use has dropped, mastitis rates and somatic cell counts have also gone down. “The fall in the number of cases shows the sector’s real commitment to tackling the problem,” he says.

Room to improve

While the overall trend is positive, the report also highlights that 25% of herds still account for half of total antibiotic use. These “high users” often face specific disease challenges or outbreaks that push usage up, but addressing those issues quickly can help keep the industry moving in the right direction.

Takeaway for YOU

The message is clear: focusing on hygiene, housing, nutrition, and milking routines not only improves cow welfare but also cuts costs and reduces antibiotic dependence. By staying proactive and working closely with vets, dairy farmers can continue to make progress - proving that prevention really does pay off.

How about on your farm - have you noticed changes in mastitis cases or antibiotic use over the past few years? What practices have made the biggest difference for you?