Mycoplasma

Mycoplasma bovine mastitis is a highly contagious disease that leads to incurable mastitis and culling of dairy cattle. Several species of mycoplasma can cause mastitis in the cow. M.bovis,, Mcalifornicum, M.canadense, Mbovigenitalium, and M.alkalescens are the major pathogens we see in the lab. M. Bovis is the number one mycoplasma cultured in dairy cattle that we see. M bovis not only is linked to mastitis but has also has been associated with arthritis, pneumonia and arthritis.

Mastitis cause by mycoplasma can be subclinical, clinical or chronic. It can happen at any stage of lactation or any age. Most transmission of the mycoplasma mastitis occurs during the milking routine. Often major outbreaks in a herd happen because subclinical shedders go undetected during the milking routine and infect herd mates.

Mycoplasma cultures are run on request in the lab and are routinely done on all bulk tank cultures.