Journal Article

CHALLENGES IN VACCINATION AGAINST MASTITIS

Dias, Roberto S, De Paula, Sergio O, Mantovani, Hilário C, Fialho, Ana Carolina, da Silva, Cynthia C, Eller, Monique R

2013

Overview

Bovine mastitis is one of the most significant problems in intensive dairy systems because it causes substantial reductions in milk quantity and quality and increases production costs. The disease is characterised by infection and inflammation of the mammary gland caused by one of several potential pathogens. Although antibiotic therapy is currently the most common treatment for mastitis, the presence of antibiotic residues in milk from treated cattle and the emergence of resistant bacteria have led researchers to seek alternative strategies to prevent and eliminate udder infections. Various combinations of intramammary and systemic treatments or extended lengths of therapy have resulted in successful treatment rates ranging from 0 to 80%. These data highlight the need for alternative control measures. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the major studies that have examined potential vaccines against pathogens that cause mastitis and discusses the benefits and challenges of each type of vaccine.

• Publisher: Nova Science Publishers, Inc
• Subject: Cattle / Immune system / Medical research / Milk / Rodents