Mastitis

Subject: Science and Technology

Context-

In a major breakthrough in creating immunity in cattle against infectious diseases, including mastitis, researchers of the Transdisciplinary University of Health Sciences & Technology (TDU), Bengaluru, have successfully validated the immunomodulation ability of a natural phytochemical compound with curcumin as the active ingredient.

The severity of mastitis in India-

At a time when economic loss due to mastitis in India exceeds ₹13,000 crore annually, there is great relevance for the findings as no vaccination is available against mastitis yet.
Antibiotics have been used to manage various infections in cattle.
However, it has been noticed that the uncontrolled use of antibiotics results in increased antibiotic resistance.

What the research found-

The study was carried out in the Thrissur district in Kerala as part of the academia-industry interface.
Research findings revealed that the natural product offers immunity in dairy cattle against infectious diseases, including mastitis, by increasing complementary protein, interferon, immunoglobulin (IgM), lymphocytes and monocytes.
An increase in calcium-phosphorus and albumin-globulin ratio and digestibility index substantiates a 10% increase in milk production.

Significance of the research-

For States like Kerala where more than 96% cattle are crossbreeds, control of mastitis assumes more significance.
The use of antibiotics for treating mastitis results in interspecies and intergenus transfer of antibiotic resistance and the creation of various multidrug-resistant microorganisms in the environment, which affects the immunity of livestock and human health.
The compound with curcumin can be used to control mastitis as a prophylactic measure during the prepartum and postpartum stages along with cattle feed under scientific management practices.

About the Mastitis-

Mastitis, or inflammation of the mammary gland, is the most common and the most expensive disease of dairy cattle throughout most of the world.
Several types of bacteria cause distinctly different mastitis infections.
Antibiotic infusions into the udder nearly always cure the clinical disease but may not eliminate the bacterial infection.

Cause:

Although stress and physical injuries may cause inflammation of the gland, infection by invading bacteria or other microorganisms (fungi, yeasts and possibly viruses) is the primary cause of mastitis.
Infections begin when microorganisms penetrate the teat canal and multiply in the mammary gland.