A scientifically-backed solution transforming mastitis management through data-driven approaches and customized farm strategies.
It's 4 AM on a Yorkshire dairy farm, and Tom Pattison is examining another cow with inflamed udders and abnormal milk. This is the third case of clinical mastitis this week—a pattern becoming frustratingly familiar. Each case costs his farm between £250 and £300 in treatments, discarded milk, and lost production 4 . Across the UK, mastitis affects most dairy herds, with an average of 26 cases per 100 cows annually, accounting for roughly 8% of dairy exits 4 . For Tom and his father Howard, this isn't just an economic issue—it's an animal welfare concern threatening their livelihood.
Cost per mastitis case
Per 100 cows annually
Of dairy exits due to mastitis
Fortunately, a scientifically-backed solution exists: the Mastitis Control Plan (MDC Plan), originally developed by the Milk Development Council and now run through a subscription model administered by QMMS Ltd and The University of Nottingham 1 7 . This comprehensive approach represents the "Gold Standard" in mastitis management, endorsed by industry stakeholders as the most effective way to tackle this persistent problem 1 . For farms like Willow Tree, implementing the plan has led to a 40% reduction in mastitis cases—transforming both profitability and animal welfare 4 .
Mastitis, an inflammatory response in mammary tissue caused primarily by bacterial infection, has long been the costliest disease affecting dairy herds worldwide 8 . The inflammation leads to reduced milk production, altered milk composition, and compromised animal welfare 8 .
Historically, the UK approach to mastitis control began with the development of the 5-point plan by researchers at the University of Reading, focused primarily on controlling contagious mastitis spread during milking 1 .
The initial success was dramatic—mastitis incidence fell from over 150 cases per 100 cows annually to 40 cases between 1967 and 1982, while bulk milk somatic cell counts dropped from 600,000 to 400,000 cells/ml 1 .
However, the bacterial landscape was shifting beneath farmers' feet. Contagious pathogens adapted to survive in the cow's udder were gradually being replaced by environmental pathogens thriving in bedding, soil, and manure 1 .
By 2004-2005, studies revealed some farms experiencing over 100 mastitis cases per 100 cows annually, with environmental bacteria Streptococcus uberis and Escherichia coli becoming the dominant culprits 1 . The stage was set for a more sophisticated, adaptable approach.
Spread from cow to cow during milking, primarily through infected udders and milking equipment.
Originates from bacteria in the cow's surroundings - bedding, soil, manure, and water.
The MDC Plan's effectiveness stems from its structured, evidence-based methodology that rejects one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, trained "Plan Deliverers"—veterinarians and agricultural consultants with specialized training—create customized strategies based on each farm's unique infection patterns and management practices 5 7 .
The foundation of any effective MDC Plan is comprehensive data analysis. Plan Deliverers review at least a year's worth of milk recording data and clinical mastitis records to identify the primary sources of infection 5 .
Following data analysis, Plan Deliverers conduct detailed on-farm assessments using a comprehensive questionnaire covering 377 aspects of farm management across 12 sections .
The final stage transforms assessment findings into a prioritized action plan. Interventions are categorized into "must," "should," and "could" based on their potential impact and scientific evidence .
The MDC Plan's effectiveness isn't merely theoretical—it's backed by rigorous scientific evaluation. A landmark study published in The Veterinary Record in 2016 analyzed 234 UK dairy herds that had implemented the plan between 2009 and 2012 . The research revealed striking improvements across key mastitis indicators.
| Parameter | Definition | Before MDC Plan | After MDC Plan | Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMSCC | Bulk Milk Somatic Cell Count (cells/ml) | 208,000 (median) | Significant reduction | <200,000 |
| IRCM | Incidence Rate of Clinical Mastitis (cases/100 cows/year) | 47-65 | ~20% reduction | <30 |
| LNIR | Lactation New Infection Rate (%/month) | Variable | ~20% reduction | <5% |
| DPNIR | Dry Period New Infection Rate (%/month) | Variable | Significant reduction | <10% |
The data demonstrates consistent improvement across all measured parameters, with herds following the plan typically achieving approximately 20% reduction in both clinical mastitis incidence and new infections .
| Management Practice | Percentage of Farms Not Implementing | Veterinarian Importance Rating |
|---|---|---|
| No routine milking machine maintenance |
|
High |
| No pre-milking teat disinfection |
|
Context-dependent |
| No routine monitoring of liner age/slip |
|
High |
| Inadequate udder cleaning/drying |
|
Context-dependent |
| No routine monitoring of tube contents |
|
Medium |
Implementing an effective mastitis control program requires specific tools and equipment for monitoring, prevention, and treatment. The MDC Plan approach utilizes a range of established and emerging technologies to maintain udder health.
Track udder health and detect subclinical infections. Often integrated into milking systems for early detection.
On-farm screening for subclinical mastitis. Quick, economical, suitable for field use 8 .
Identify inflammation stages by classifying cell types. Emerging technology for optimal interpretation 2 .
Pre- and post-milking applications reduce bacterial load and prevent transmission .
Ensure proper function and prevent liner slips. Regular maintenance reduces infection risk .
Detect udder inflammation in early stages. Emerging technology for real-time mastitis detection 2 .
As mastitis management evolves, several promising developments are reshaping control strategies. Research into selective dry cow therapy—treating only infected quarters rather than all cows—shows potential for significantly reducing antibiotic use while maintaining effectiveness 8 .
The MDC Plan represents far more than just another management protocol—it embodies a fundamental shift in how the dairy industry approaches mastitis control. By replacing blanket recommendations with customized strategies, leveraging scientific evidence, and integrating emerging technologies, it offers a sustainable path forward for UK dairy farmers.
The results speak for themselves: farms fully following the mastitis control plan typically see a 36% reduction in mastitis incidence 5 . For Willow Tree Farm, this translated to 68 fewer cases annually and potential savings of £17,000-£20,400 per year 4 .
Beyond the numbers, it means healthier animals, reduced antibiotic usage, and more sustainable farming enterprises. As mastitis pathogens continue to evolve, the flexible, science-based approach of the MDC Plan ensures the UK dairy industry can adapt and thrive.
To learn more about the Mastitis Control Plan or locate a trained Plan Deliverer in your area, visit https://www.mastitiscontrolplan.co.uk/plan-deliverer-map 1 7 .
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