Is AMR in Dairy Products a Threat to Human Health? An Updated Review on the Origin, Prevention, Treatment, and Economic Impacts of Subclinical Mastitis

Abstract

Background

Bovine mastitis is the most frequent and costly illness impacting dairy herds worldwide. The presence of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows has an impact on the decreased output of milk and milk quality, culling of affected cows, mortality rate, as well as mastitis-related treatment expenses, generating significant financial loss to the dairy industry. The pathogenic bacteria invade through the mammary gland, which then multiply in the milk-producing tissues causing infection, and the presence of pathogenic bacteria in milk is concerning, jeopardizes human health, and also has public health consequences. Intervention to promote herd health is essential to protect public health and the economy.

Results

This review attempts to provide an overview of subclinical mastitis, including mastitis in different species, the effect of mastitis on human health and its pathogenic mechanism, the prevalence and incidence of subclinical mastitis, and current preventive, diagnostic, and treatment methods for subclinical mastitis. It also elaborates on the management practices that should be followed by the farms to improve herd immunity and health.

Conclusion

This review brings the importance of the threat of antimicrobial resistance organisms to the dairy industry. Furthermore, this review gives a glimpse of the economic consequences faced by the farmers and a futuristic mastitis market analysis in the dairy industry.

Keywords:

• subclinical mastitis
• human health
• economy
• pathogenic mechanism
• management

Abbreviations

SCC, somatic cell count; AMR, Antimicrobial resistance; CNS, coagulase-negative Staphylococci; CARG, compound annual growth rate; IMIs, intramammary inflammations; ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; SAATK, S. aureus antibody testing kit; MBRT, Methylene blue reduction test; SOD, superoxide dismutase; MMA, mastitis metritis agalactia; AMU, antimicrobial usage; PMN, polymorphonuclear neutrophil; SDCT, selecting cows for dry cow therapy; DCT, dry cow treatment; BDCT, blanket dry cow therapy; APT, acoustic pulse therapy; ITS, internal teat sealant; MNPs, magnetite nanoparticles.

Data Sharing Statement

All the required data and materials are available within the manuscript.

Acknowledgment

The authors are thankful to Chimertech Private Limited for preparing this manuscript.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

No financial interest to report.