Treating Buffalo Mastitis in the Era of Antimicrobial Resistance

Treating buffalo mastitis becomes more challenging when the causative bacteria show resistance to commonly used antimicrobials. For subclinical mastitis (SCM), the challenge can be greater because infection may persist without obvious clinical signs while continuing to affect milk production. 

Start With the Causative Pathogen 

Buffalo mastitis can involve both contagious and environmental microorganisms. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae are important contagious pathogens, while Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus uberis are among the environmental pathogens associated with mastitis^[1],[2],[3]. 

Other organisms, including coagulase-negative staphylococci, Mycoplasma spp., Corynebacterium spp. and Candida spp., have also been associated with SCM in buffaloes^[3]. 

This diversity of pathogens makes identification of the causative organism important when treatment decisions are being considered. 

Why Antimicrobial Resistance Matters 

AMR can make mastitis more difficult to treat effectively. The available evidence shows that major mastitis-causing pathogens can exhibit resistance to multiple antibiotics^[4]. 

In SCM, resistant bacteria can also spread within the herd. Infected animals may release resistant organisms into the surrounding environment, contaminating milking equipment, bedding and other surfaces, and creating opportunities for transmission to other animals^[3]. 

For the affected buffalo, antimicrobial-resistant infection may result in prolonged infection, reduced milk production, and increased economic losses when standard treatments are ineffective^[3]. 

Culture and Sensitivity Can Guide Treatment 

When treating clinical mastitis, culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing can help guide antimicrobial selection^[3]. 

This becomes particularly relevant when resistance patterns vary between pathogens or when treatment does not produce the expected response. Rather than relying on repeated empirical antimicrobial use, identifying the organism and its susceptibility profile can support a more targeted treatment decision. 

Staphylococcus aureus Can Be Particularly Difficult 

Staphylococcus aureus presents an additional treatment challenge because of its ability to form biofilms and its adaptation within the mammary environment. These characteristics can reduce the effectiveness of conventional antibiotic therapy^[3]. 

The treatment challenge is also evident with Prototheca spp., for which effective therapies remain unavailable. Alternative approaches, including investigations into disinfectants such as guanidine, have therefore been explored^[3]. 

Use Antibiotics Carefully 

Antibiotics remain an important component of mastitis management, including preventive use during the dry period. However, their administration requires caution because inappropriate use can contribute to antimicrobial resistance^[3]. 

The concern extends beyond treatment failure. Antibiotic use can also create residue concerns in milk, making appropriate antibiotic selection and judicious use particularly important in food-producing animals^[3]. 

Supportive approaches such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have also been explored as part of mastitis management, particularly for controlling inflammation^[5]. 

The Dry Period is Another Opportunity^[3] 

Dry cow therapy using antibiotics has been recommended for bacterial CM and SCM. However, this should be integrated with broader mastitis-control measures rather than viewed as a substitute for prevention and herd management. 

Biosecurity can help reduce the introduction and spread of mastitis pathogens and may also reduce the need for antibiotic use. 

Clinical Takeaway 

Managing buffalo mastitis in the era of AMR requires more than choosing an antibiotic. Identifying the causative pathogen, using culture and susceptibility information when indicated, recognising persistent infections such as S. aureus, and avoiding imprudent antimicrobial use are important components of a targeted approach to mastitis management.

References:

1. Azevedo C, Pacheco D, Soares L, Romão R, Moitoso M, Maldonado J, Guix R, Simões J. Prevalence of contagious and environmental mastitis-causing bacteria in bulk tank milk and its relationships with milking practices of dairy cattle herds in São Miguel Island (Azores). Tropical animal health and production. 2016 Feb;48(2):451-9. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11250-015-0973-6.pdf
2. Tomanić D, Božin B, Kladar N, Stanojević J, Čabarkapa I, Stilinović N, Apić J, Božić DD, Kovačević Z. Environmental bovine mastitis pathogens: Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and sensitivity to Thymus vulgaris L., Thymus serpyllum L., and Origanum vulgare L. essential oils. Antibiotics. 2022 Aug 9;11(8):1077. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/11/8/1077
3. Chowdhury MS, Rahman MM, Hossain H, Ghosh PK, Islam MR, Lamichhane B, Gomaa FA, Selim HM, Hossain MM, Helmy YA, El Zowalaty ME. Subclinical mastitis of buffaloes in Asia: prevalence, pathogenesis, risk factors, antimicrobial resistance, and current treatment strategies. Journal of Animal Science and Technology. 2026 Jan 31;68(1):18. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12923260/
4. Pascu C, Herman V, Iancu I, Costinar L. Etiology of mastitis and antimicrobial resistance in dairy cattle farms in the western part of Romania. Antibiotics. 2022 Jan 3;11(1):57. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/11/1/57
5. Suojala L, Kaartinen L, Pyörälä S. Treatment for bovine E scherichia coli mastitis–an evidence‐based approach. Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics. 2013 Dec;36(6):521-31. https://www.academia.edu/download/94162198/jvp.1205720221113-1-1utpond.pdf