Promising Avenues in Mastitis Control

Abstract

The control of bovine mastitis commonly relies on the use of antibiotics and chemical germicides to treat and prevent intramammary infections. The failure of antibiotics to eliminate mastitis pathogens in lactating cows can be attributed to microorganisms sequestered in microabcesses or within leukocytes where they lie dormant and inaccessible to antibiotics. There is an increasing consumer concern over the potential risk of residues in the milk supply from mastitis treatment. Advances in biotechnology have made available alternative compounds that can be used for the treatment and control of mastitis. Examples are the antimicrobial proteins, nisin and lysostaphin, that are bactericidal against dividing and dormant organisms, and against antibiotic resistant mastitis pathogens. These proteins are nontoxic and may be used in the prevention and therapy of mastitis infections while reducing the risk of hazardous milk residues.

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