Advances in Diagnosis and Alternative Therapeutic Strategies for Bovine Mastitis
Sanjay C
Bovine mastitis remains a major challenge in dairy farming, causing substantial economic losses through reduced milk yield and quality. Recent progress emphasizes rapid diagnostic tools and non-antibiotic therapies to combat rising antimicrobial resistance. Traditional methods like somatic cell counts via California Mastitis Test (CMT) and bacterial cultures offer reliable on-farm screening, while advanced techniques such as PCR, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and biosensors enable precise pathogen identification for timely intervention. Therapeutic management has shifted toward alternatives like probiotics, plant-derived essential oils, bacteriocins, and phage therapy, which show anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential without promoting resistance. Genetic selection for udder health resistance further supports prevention alongside hygiene and stewardship programs.Integrated strategies combining diagnostics, novel treatments, and economic assessments promise sustainable control. Future efforts should prioritize field trials and molecular innovations to enhance dairy productivity. Keywords: Bovine mastitis, diagnostic advances, alternative therapies, antimicrobial resistance, udder health