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Mastitis
Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland that commonly affects cows, goats and ewes, especially during lactation. It can be mild or very visible depending on the severity of the infection. It is a common issue in Tunisian dairy farm...
What is it?
Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland that commonly affects cows, goats and ewes, especially during lactation. It can be mild or very visible depending on the severity of the infection. It is a common issue in Tunisian dairy farms that affects milk quality and animal welfare.
Mastitis is generally caused by bacteria entering the mammary gland, often through the teat canal. Udder injuries, poor hygiene during milking or poorly maintained milking equipment can encourage its occurrence. Environmental factors such as dirty or damp housing also play an important role.
Main risk factors include insufficient milking hygiene, dirty or damp housing, udder injuries and poor dry-off management. High-producing animals or those near the end of gestation are also more vulnerable. Faulty or poorly adjusted milking equipment also increases the risk.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Signs often include a warm, swollen, painful or hard udder, along with changes in milk appearance such as clots, blood or abnormal color. The animal may show tiredness, reduced appetite or decreased milk production. In more severe cases, fever or general depression may appear.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Transmission
Mastitis is mainly transmitted through contact between teats and a contaminated environment, or via milking equipment shared between infected and healthy animals. The milker's hands or non-disinfected cloths can also spread bacteria from one animal to another. It is not considered a classic contagious disease but rather linked to hygiene conditions.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
If signs suggestive of mastitis appear, it is important to quickly consult a veterinarian for professional advice suited to the situation. Only a professional can assess the animal and propose appropriate care. Never attempt to treat the animal yourself without veterinary advice.
Prevention
Good milking hygiene, clean and dry housing, and well-maintained milking equipment are essential to reduce mastitis risk. Regularly checking udder condition and promptly reporting any abnormality to a veterinarian is recommended. Proper management of the dry-off period also contributes to prevention.
References
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 08 August 2026
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