Key Bovine Diseases: Mastitis and Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Mastitis and Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Challenges for Global Livestock
Two diseases that impact productivity, profitability, and sanitary status in global cattle farming are mastitis and foot-and-mouth disease. These ailments have a direct effect on dairy production and animal health, making their control and eradication global priorities for producers, the dairy industry, and health authorities.

Mastitis: The Silent Threat to Milk Production
Mastitis refers to the inflammation of the cow's mammary gland, generally caused by bacteria, leading to significant economic losses in the dairy sector. Effective sanitation during milking, proper herd management, early detection, and treatment are critical for controlling this disease.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease: The Devastating Impact on Trade
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that significantly impacts meat and milk production and restricts international trade. Mass vaccination, epidemiological surveillance, and animal movement controls are key measures for its containment.

Both mastitis and foot-and-mouth disease represent formidable challenges for sustainable livestock farming and food security. Ongoing investment in animal health, advances in bovine genetics, and robust sanitary surveillance systems are essential to mitigate their impact. Cooperation among producers, the dairy industry, and governments is vital in safeguarding herd health and ensuring food production for the growing global population.