An Update on the Effect of Clinical Mastitis on the Welfare of Dairy Cows and Potential Therapies

Abstract

Despite the widespread implementation of mastitis control programs, mastitis is the most common and one of the costliest diseases in the dairy industry, with broad-ranging impacts and consequences. Recent technological advances have allowed researchers to assess the effects of mastitis on animal behavior and welfare, and the efficacy of mastitis treatments. Several nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are available as supportive therapies for clinical mastitis. This article focuses on recent advances in the assessment, therapy, and effects of mastitis on cow behavior and welfare.

Keywords: Animal behavior; Animal welfare; Mastitis; NSAIDs; Pain.