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Title: IMPACT OF MASTITIS IN DAIRY COWS ON ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND SAFETY

Author
item Paape, Max

Submitted to: ARS Food Safety and Inspection Service Research Workshop
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/19/2002
Publication Date: 7/20/2002
Citation: PAAPE, M.J. IMPACT OF MASTITIS IN DAIRY COWS ON ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND SAFETY. ARS FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE RESEARCH WORKSHOP. 2002.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland caused by bacterial infection. Mastitis results in lost milk production which is the major factor contributing to the two billion dollar annual loss in the United States. Bacteria that cause mastitis are divided into two groups called major and minor pathogens. The major pathogens consist of Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci including agalactiae, dysgalactiae and uberis, and coliforms primarily Escherichia coli. Coagulase negative staphylococci, micrococci and corynebacteria comprise the minor pathogens. Intramammary infection by minor pathogens seldom result in clinical mastitis. However, milk somatic cell counts may become slightly elevated. Infections by major pathogens usually result in clinical symptoms and in severe cases death. Staphylococcus aureus and some strains of coagulase negative staphylococci produce enterotoxin C. Staphylococcal enterotoxins are know to be a causative agent of staphylococcal food poisoning which can lead to emesis and diarrhea in humans.