Bovine mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus represents a significant problem to the dairy industry. The disease is usually seen in a subclinical state during most of the lactation period, but can become acute shortly following parturition. Losses from this disease result from treatment costs, decreased milk production, and the need to cull some affected cows. The disease does not respond to treatment well and satisfactory methods to eradicate staphylococcal mastitis from infected herds have yet to be devised.
Infection during early lactation often results in the appearance of the peracute form, with gangrene of the udder due to the acute necrotizing action of the alpha toxin. During the later stages of lactation or during the dry period, new infections are not usually accompanied by a systemic reaction, but result in an acute or chronic form.
Classified as a coagulase positive bacteria