Novel milk test for bovine mastitis
"We need novel, reliable, cost-effective methods to spot disease early" - Dr Xavier Donadeu.
Researchers at the Roslin Institute have discovered a novel test to aid early detection of mastitis in cows.
Mastitis, which is a prevalent disease in dairy cattle, is characterised by mammary inflammation, and detecting it early could reduce the use of preventative antibiotics.
Examining miRNAs in cows, the researchers found that levels of miRNA in milk could be used to identify cows with early inflammatory changes with high accuracy, and has potential as a biomarker of mastitis.
Studying four types of miRNAs, the researchers found that levels of three of the four miRNA molecules, miR-142, miR-146a and miR-223, could be used for early diagnosis of mastitis before the onset of clinical signs.
The Roslin Institute's Dr Xavier Donadeu commented: “Mastitis in dairy cattle is a widespread problem and our ability to tell which animals will or will not become sick has not changed much in a decade.
“We need novel, reliable, cost-effective methods to spot disease early, preventing economic losses and limiting disease.
“Our study shows that analysis of miRNA molecules could offer a novel and accurate method of detecting mastitis in its early stages.”
Published in Scientific Reports, the study is available to read here.
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
