Point-of-Care Sensors for Rapid Detection of Mastitis in Dairy Animals

Introduction Mastitis is a significant concern in dairy farming, characterized by the inflammation of the mammary gland and caused primarily by intramammary infections, although it can also result from mechanical or chemical trauma. Clinical mastitis is identified through visible changes in milk composition and udder appearance, whereas subclinical mastitis remains undetectable without advanced diagnostic tools, despite having a substantial impact on milk yield and quality. Effective mastitis management is essential for maintaining animal health, productivity, and milk safety, requiring the identification of the causative pathogen, understanding infection severity, and selecting suitable treatments while minimizing antimicrobial resistance risks.