MASTILINE

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland or udder, which can be caused by bacterial infections or trauma. When bacteria are growing they release metabolites and toxins that stimulate the defence mechanisms in the cow. The inflammation response leads to a migration of white blood cells from the peripheral blood circulation into the udder. The somatic cell count of the milk (SCC) increases from normally 100 000 cells/ml or less to as high as several million.