Vaccination in the prevention of mastitis
Gudding, R.
Nordisk Veterinaermedicin 33(9-11): 461-469
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-1579 PMID: 7329787 Document Number: 168784
The elements of the cow's defence mechanism which are considered to be most significant for prevention of mastitis, and which can be stimulated by vaccination, are discussed under 3 headings: humoral immunity (IgG1, IgG2, IgA and IgM); cellular immunity (T-lymphocytes, releasing lymphokines which activate macrophages); phagocytosis (polymorphonuclear leucocytes and mononuclear macrophages). Results of vaccination of cows against mastitis in Scandinavia and elsewhere are then reviewed in detail; immunization methods other than vaccination are also briefly considered, e.g. insertion of a plastic coil into the udder to cause mild irritation and thus stimulate the defence mechanism. It is concluded that vaccination, used properly in conjunction with other measures, is likely to become an important element in mastitis control in the future. The present method of diagnosing mastitis on the basis of high cell count will then have to be abandoned, since vaccination, by stimulating resistance, actually increases cell count.