In a major step toward improving dairy animal health and safeguarding farmer incomes, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has launched an intensive statewide campaign to control mastitis (commonly known as Thanela in Hindi), a prevalent disease affecting milk-producing cattle and buffaloes.
Mastitis, an inflammatory condition of the udder, is one of the leading causes of reduced milk yield and quality, resulting in significant economic losses for dairy farmers across India.
🐄 Campaign to Protect Livelihoods and Milk Output
At a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, officials discussed a strategic action plan to curb the spread and impact of mastitis. Singh instructed the Department of Animal Husbandry to immediately begin an intensive awareness and veterinary outreach campaign across the state.
“A comprehensive plan must be created to disseminate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for mastitis prevention and treatment to livestock owners,” Singh emphasized.
He also called for setting quality standards for dairy feed and initiating farmer education drives through mobile veterinary units and local clinics.
📊 Mastitis Cases Affecting ~10% of Dairy Animals
According to Principal Secretary of Animal Husbandry Ravindra Nayak, nearly 10% of all dairy animals examined through veterinary services in the state exhibit symptoms of clinical or subclinical mastitis.
Veterinary units are already using California Mastitis Test (CMT) kits and other diagnostic tools for early detection and timely treatment. However, the government is now scaling efforts statewide to reduce the disease burden, improve animal welfare, and restore milk productivity.
🧪 Causes and Symptoms of Mastitis in Dairy Cattle
Mastitis can arise from multiple causes, including poor udder hygiene, unclean animal shelters, and improper milking techniques. The disease often manifests as:
- Swollen or hardened udders
- Lumps in the udder
- Pain and restlessness in animals
- Discolouration of milk, sometimes containing pus or blood
- Narrowing of the teat canal
“Farmers must consult veterinary professionals at the earliest sign of symptoms and isolate infected animals to prevent further spread,” Nayak advised.
🧭 Research Institutions to Lead Specialised Programs
To bolster long-term disease management, four veterinary universities in the state have been directed to implement specialised programs on mastitis, infertility, breed improvement, and parasite control. Coordination with the Animal Husbandry Department will be key to ensuring actionable, science-based interventions.
🧑🌾 Relief for Dairy Farmers
The campaign is expected to provide substantial relief to small and marginal dairy farmers, many of whom rely heavily on cow and buffalo milk for household income.
“By promoting disease prevention, early diagnosis, and hygienic milking practices, this initiative will help reduce avoidable losses and strengthen dairy sustainability in Uttar Pradesh,” said an official from the veterinary council.
