Background:

Mastitis often affects dairy herds, causing economic losses due to a reduction of dairy yields and milk quality.

Aim.

To provide updated information about this pathology, and the new strategies suggested for its prevention and control.

Development:

The study consisted of a thorough review of the current literature on mastitis, its etiology, diagnostic, factors that favor its occurrence, significance of proper milking routines for prevention, as well as the new alternatives suggested for control. Mastitis may have infectious and non-infectious causes, though bacteria have a significant role. Besides, it has a clinical and subclinical course. Poor water quality, prolonged lactation, and stress constitute risk factors for its occurrence. Proper implementation of milking routines and hygiene play an essential role in its prevention. Today, researchers are studying new natural products for its control, such as plant extracts and propolis.

Conclusions:

Mastitis frequently affects dairy herds, causing huge economic losses. The implementation of good practices and proper hygiene when milking, are essential for the prevention of the disease. Presently, various research studies focus on the search for new sustainable and ecological alternatives to control the disease, including the utilization of plant extracts and other products with anti-microbial properties, such as probiotics and propolis to treat final nipple antisepsis.