Evolution of bovine mastitis control in Argentina in the last 20 years

Abstract

Bovine mastitis is the disease of dairy cattle that causes the greatest losses to the producer and the dairy
industry, due to the decrease in milk production and quality. Several aspects of dairy production that provide
a framework to facilitate understanding of mastitis control in Argentina during the last two decades are
described. Studies on the prevalence and distribution of mastitis pathogens and the evolution of udder health
measured through somatic cell count (SCC) in bulk tank milk from dairy farms, as well as its seasonal
variation are depicted. The potential conditioning factors that have limited further progress in controlling
the disease during the last two decades are highlighted and measures and strategies are proposed to mitigate
and/or overcome these factors.