EN 
PT_BR 
The rains that end the dry season bring relief to the pastures, but also a warning to dairy farmers: the increased humidity and accumulation of organic matter in the areas where animals live and move around favor the emergence of environmental mastitis, one of the main causes of decreased production and economic losses on Brazilian farms.
According to veterinarian and Product & Trade Manager at Biogénesis Bagó, João Paulo Lollato, the infection directly affects the volume and quality of milk produced, generating significant losses for the producer. In Brazil, total losses associated with mastitis cause an annual loss of up to 1.75 billion liters of milk, according to a study conducted by the State University of Northern Paraná, published in 2022.
The disease is caused by opportunistic bacteria present in the environment, especially in damp and poorly managed bedding. Among the most common agents are Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and other gram-negative bacteria that multiply rapidly during periods of rain and high humidity.
"During the rainy season, the bacterial load increases significantly, raising the risk of infection. Control involves a combination of good management practices, hygiene, and preventive immunization," explains the veterinarian.
Practical actions that make a difference.
Controlling environmental mastitis starts with daily management. Keeping bedding clean and dry, properly sanitizing teats and milking equipment, and feeding cows immediately after milking to prevent them from lying down while the teat sphincter is still open are simple and effective measures.
“Producers need to understand that sanitary management is a productivity tool, not a cost. Investing in prevention is more efficient and sustainable than dealing with recurring losses,” Lollato emphasizes.
Preventive immunization also plays a key role. According to the expert, vaccination with the antigen E. coli J5, like the Rotatec® J5 vaccine, has proven efficacy, reducing environmental mastitis cases by up to 45% and providing an average increase of 7% in milk production in vaccinated herds. Furthermore, supplementation with vitamins and minerals helps reinforce the cows' natural immune response, with the use of the Full Adapter, especially during periods of heat stress and sudden climate changes, or in the period close to calving, coinciding with the vaccination protocol against environmental mastitis.
Environmental mastitis tends to occur more frequently at the beginning of lactation and in herds with compromised hygiene conditions. When control is neglected, it can become a chronic problem and compromise the longevity of cows.
"The rainy season demands extra attention. Controlled mastitis means higher quality milk and a more productive herd," Lollato concludes.
