Kashmir’s dairy sector is facing mounting stress as cases of bovine mastitis—an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland—continue to rise, severely impacting milk productivity, quality, and farmer incomes. The condition, which exists in clinical, subclinical, and chronic forms, is particularly dangerous in its subclinical stage as it often goes undetected while silently reducing milk yield and quality.
The economic impact is significant, with subclinical mastitis alone reducing milk production by 10–25%, while severe infections can result in complete loss of milk from affected animals. This is especially critical in Kashmir, where small and marginal farmers dominate the dairy ecosystem, making them highly vulnerable to income shocks.
A growing concern is the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in dairy farming. Incomplete treatments, lack of veterinary supervision, and poor hygiene practices are accelerating resistance, making infections harder—and sometimes impossible—to treat. This not only raises costs for farmers but also poses broader food safety and public health risks.
The financial burden of mastitis on India’s dairy industry is substantial, with annual losses estimated between ₹2,000 crore and ₹7,000 crore, and some estimates going as high as ₹60,000 million. Subclinical mastitis accounts for the largest share of these losses due to its widespread and often unnoticed nature.
Experts stress that factors such as poor farm hygiene, improper milking practices, wet bedding conditions, and climatic stress—especially in Kashmir’s cold and влаж environment—are contributing to the rising incidence. High-yielding crossbred cows like Holstein Friesian and Jersey crosses are particularly susceptible, highlighting the need for balanced breeding strategies.
To address the crisis, stakeholders are calling for a multi-pronged approach: responsible antibiotic use, regular screening methods like the California Mastitis Test (CMT), improved sanitation, preventive practices such as teat dipping and dry cow therapy, and stronger farmer awareness programs. Veterinary professionals are seen as central to this effort, from diagnosis to farmer training.
The report underscores that tackling mastitis requires coordinated action across farmers, veterinarians, and policymakers, with a clear shift toward prevention, sustainable practices, and education to protect dairy productivity, farmer livelihoods, and food safety in the region.
Source: Dairynews7x7 27 April, 2026 Read full story here
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