This icon indicates that an image is available. Click to open.
Subclinical infections are economically important in terms of milk production and milk quality.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis - historically, infection of the udder and contamination of milk, was important in the epidemiology of tuberculosis in people. In sows a clinical syndrome of mastitis metritis-agalactia is recognised. Staphylococcal mastitis - coagulase and haemolysin production generally indicate potential pathogenicity. Pathogenicity probably relates to endotoxin production which has effects on the microvasculature of glandular and interstitial tissue. A pyogenes - causes a severe and acute mastitis characterised by suppuration with abscesses and fistulae.