Mastitis continues to be one of the most costly and frustrating health issues in dairy herds. Beyond the obvious disruption to milking routines, every missed case can push up bulk milk somatic cell counts (BMSCC), threaten milk quality grades, and make infections harder to treat down the line. That’s why quick detection is key.

Spotting the Signs

Clinical mastitis cases usually present with:

• Heat, swelling, or pain in the udder

• Milk changes like clots, discolouration, or wateriness (lasting beyond three squirts)

These cases require treatment. Cows with mild or short-lived changes that clear quickly may not need intervention — helping avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics.

Why Early Detection Matters

Catching cases promptly means:

• Fewer chronic infections

• Less spread of infection between cows

• Lower bulk tank SCC

• Reduced risk of penalties or downgraded milk

Too many missed cases often show up as clots on the milk filter, SCC spikes, or a higher-than-average SCC trend. That’s when it’s worth reviewing detection systems and getting a fresh set of eyes — whether from your vet, milk quality advisor, or consultants.

When Mastitis is a Bigger Problem

You may have an issue if:

• More than 15 cases per 100 cows are treated annually

• Clinical case rates exceed key thresholds in the Mastitis Focus Report (e.g., more than 8 cases per 100 cows at calving)

• First-calver case rates are above 16 per 100

• Monthly lactation case rates are consistently above 1 per 100

In these situations, it pays to step back and assess your prevention, detection, and treatment systems. Sometimes, improving staff awareness, stripping cows more frequently, or targeted herd testing makes all the difference.

How do you and your team keep on top of mastitis detection during the busy calving and lactation periods?

Credits: Content adapted from DairyNZ. Read the full resource here: Detecting Mastitis.