Av. rating

Discovering the hidden tricks of S. aureus: The first step to control

Mammary gland infections caused by S. aureus is one of the problems that dairy farms can face. They are a major concern from a health and economic point of view. Why is this pathogen so relevant? In the following article, we will see the main characteristics of S. aureus to understand better this troublesome mastitis agent.

 

Contagious agents

Mastitis-causing agents have historically been classified into environmental and contagious agents. Even though this classification is not 100% accurate, it is still especially useful for setting up the basis of udder health programs and mastitis control.

“It is crucial to identify the mastitis agents to implement the most specific and effective control measures”

It is well known that contagious mastitis pathogens spread through the herd very easily from cow to cow. The main transmission happens during the milking process.

 

The main character: S. aureus

Within the contagious group, there is an agent that needs to be highlighted: Staphylococcus aureus. It is considered to be one of the most significant agents.

Staphylococcus aureus: milking process
Fig 1. A good milking process is crucial to control the transmission of S.aureus.

Important points about S. aureus

  • It usually lives in the cow’s udder and on the teat skin, and infected udders are the reservoir. S. aureus can also survive at other sites on the cow and be transmitted to the udder.
  • It can colonize teat skin lesions and the teat canal, migrating up to the mammary gland, causing mastitis.
  • It can survive for short periods in the environment in contaminated material such as milking liners, cleaning towels or hands and gloves, which can act as fomites.

 

What is the symptomatology of staphylococcal mastitis?

Mastitis caused by S. aureus can manifest in several ways:

  • Clinical mastitis ranging from small clots in the milk to quarter inflammation.
  • Can rarely become hyperacute and cause gangrene, especially in fresh calved heifers.
  • Subclinical mastitis.

“Thanks to the biofilm, S. aureus may produce long-lasting infections that can persist through lactation and in subsequent lactations”

 

Why is it hard to control?

Due to the microorganism’s capacity to evade the immune system by forming biofilm agglomerates and to damage the duct system and colonize the secreting tissue, forming abscesses, it can produce recurrent mastitis becoming chronic and alternating from a subclinical to a clinical state.

It may produce long-lasting infections that can persist through lactation and in subsequent lactations. As udders act as a reservoir, the risk of infection of healthy cows is very present.

Please follow our next article on the strategies to control S. aureus!

 

Article written by Luis Pinho, DVM, PhD

How useful was this information for you?:

[Total: 1   Average: 5/5]

RELATED POSTS

NEWSLETTER

DON’T MISS ANY UPDATES ON MASTITIS VACCINATION

    I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy and Basic information on Data Protection.

    ASK THE EXPERTS

    Your opinion is very important to us, so we encourage you to contact our team of experts on Mastitis Vaccination to ask any questions or discuss any concerns you may have about mastitis.


      I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy and Basic information on Data Protection.


      DISCOVER THE QUICK TALKS !

      Subscribe to our newsletter and be updated with the latest STREAMING COURSES & VIDEO-WEBINARS on bovine mastitis!


        I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy and Basic information on Data Protection.

        Basic Personal Data Protection information: Controller: LABORATORIOS HIPRA, S.A. Purposes: Managing the contractual and/or business relationship with HIPRA, including sending news, promotions and invitations to events sponsored by HIPRA. Lawful basis: Performance of the contractual relationship and HIPRA’s legitimate Interest. Recipients: Third parties to which HIPRA has entrusted cloud computing, security, auditing, mailing, technical and computer support services, as well as companies in its group. Rights: Request access to and rectification or erasure of personal data and other rights as explained in the additional information. You can seeview the detailed additional information about data protection in our Privacy Policy. For further information, please check our detailed information on Data Protection.

        Website for veterinarians

        The contents of this website are aimed exclusively at prescribing veterinarians. By clicking on Accept you state that you are a veterinary professional. In other case, please contact a veterinarian and click on Decline.

        Basic Personal Data Protection information:

        Controller: LABORATORIOS HIPRA, S.A.
        Purposes: Managing the contractual and/or business relationship with HIPRA, including sending news, promotions and invitations to events sponsored by HIPRA.
        Lawful basis: Performance of the contractual relationship and HIPRA’s legitimate Interest.
        Recipients: Third parties to which HIPRA has entrusted cloud computing, security, auditing, mailing, technical and computer support services, as well as companies in its group.
        Rights: Request access to and rectification or erasure of personal data and other rights as explained in the additional information. You can seeview the detailed additional information about data protection in our Privacy Policy.

        For further information, please check our detailed information on Data Protection.