Health and Care
Find information on dairy cattle health, including prevention and control of mastitis. Resources on hoof health, lameness, heat stress, vaccines, and overmilking are also available in this section. Learn body conditioning scoring techniques.
Dairy Cattle Health Care
Dairy herd health is dependent on farmers’ expertise and readiness to prevent, diagnose, control, and treat common cow diseases and health issues.
The Pennsylvania Dairy Health and Biosecurity Manual is a comprehensive guide designed to help dairy farmers keep their herds healthy and economically productive. Compiled by Penn State Extension’s team of experienced veterinarians, it’s a practical and up-to-date resource on all cow-health related problems.
In addition to herd health care, dairy producers should also manage the biosecurity risks associated with cattle farming. Here you can find resources on how to reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases and pathogens.
Dairy producers could also benefit from the body condition scoring technique and use it when troubleshooting cattle health and nutrition problems. Information on cow vaccines and schedules is also available in this section.
Udder Health and Mastitis: Prevention and Control
Mastitis, an inflammation of the cow’s udder, is the most common dairy cattle disease in the United States. It is also the most expensive issue on dairy farms, costing the average US dairy farm $110 per cow each year.
Proper diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid costly veterinary treatment and milk product loss. Learn how to conduct initial mastitis testing, how to culture milk to identify bacteria, and determine the cause of the mastitis with the On-Farm Milk Culturing for Mastitis Control online course.
Mastitis in cattle can be caused by contact with milking machinery or by infection. Get practical advice on the best milking practices for mastitis prevention.
Here you’ll find additional resources on udder health, overmilking, teat cleanliness, teat-end health, and rapid milk flow. For more information on the effect of mastitis on milk quality, visit the Dairy Production and Milk Quality section of this site.
Other Dairy Cattle Diseases
Information on this site is intended to help producers diagnose and treat other common diseases, such as foot rot and lameness, milk fever, endometritis, and ketosis in dairy cattle. Research on bovine tuberculosis is also available.
Get advice on hoof health, prevention, and control of foot problems in dairy cows, and learn methods to reduce lameness in new and existing housing systems.
Penn State Extension resources can also help producers identify and treat dairy cattle diseases and conditions, such as grass tetany, Johne's Disease, bovine leukemia virus, milk fever, and heat stress.
One of the toughest decisions livestock producers have to make when raising and caring for animals is deciding when euthanasia is the appropriate and humane choice. Find advice on how to determine if is it time for euthanasia and instruction on how to choose and perform appropriate euthanasia techniques.
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NewsLawhead Joins Penn State
Date Posted 5/19/2025Dr. James Lawhead joins Penn State as Dairy Extension Program Specialist -
ArticlesWhat is the Nutritional Cost of Mastitis?
Active immune responses, such as mastitis, divert energy from milk production. -
ArticlesDry Cows and Heifers Need Cooling Too
Reduce the effects of heat stress on heifers and dry cows to minimize long-term consequences for the pre-natal calf and future lactations. -
ArticlesPrevention and Management of Salmonella Dublin on Dairies
Researchers at Penn State are actively recruiting farms to participate in a study investigating S. Dublin prevalence. -
ArticlesHow Long Should the Dry Period Be?
Historically, many farmers have aimed to have a 60-day dry period. New research has shown that it may be feasible to shorten this time period. -
WebinarsFree
On-Farm Biosecurity: Essential Strategies for Service Providers
When Watch NowLength 1 hourRecorded Mar 6, 2025Event Format On-Demand | RecordedLearn key biosecurity protocols to protect farm health. Join experts from Penn State Extension, the Center for Dairy Excellence, and the PA Department of Agriculture for this free, one-hour webinar. -
ArticlesQuestions to Consider Before Disbudding Calves
Work with your veterinarian to develop a disbudding program to enhance animal welfare. -
ArticlesFarm Biosecurity: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
The recent outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have left many farms in a dire situation. Use readily available resources to help you develop a farm emergency plan. -
WorkshopsDairy Hoof Health
Length 4 hours, 30 minutesJoin our on-farm workshop focused on dairy hoof health. Learn essential practices to maintain optimal hoof health, ensuring a productive and healthy herd. -
ArticlesEmbracing Antibiotic Stewardship in Animal Agriculture
Antibiotic stewardship includes: Prevention, Protocols, Paper, and People. -
ArticlesManagement Practices to Minimize Stress Factors for Transition Cows
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? -
ArticlesTuberculosis in Cattle - It's Not Totally Gone
Bovine tuberculosis is still found worldwide, even though many countries have greatly reduced or even eliminated the disease from their cattle herds. -
ArticlesBio-Security on Your Farm Continues to be Important
Minimize health risks to your dairy herd with visitor protocols, a biosecurity program, and a quarantine requirement for incoming animals. -
ArticlesFarmers and Ticks: What You Need to Know
It is important to check yourself for ticks daily when working outside. -
ArticlesWinter Calf Care
This article will discuss the C's of calf care management and focus on disease prevention how to provide adequate nutrition for continual growth during the winter. -
ArticlesHPAI: What You Need to Know About Dairy Cattle and Poultry
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus has been found to affect several types of animals. Explore information about HPAI and tips to safeguard your animals and business. -
ArticlesUnderstanding HPAI in Dairy Cattle
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), historically known for its devastating impact on bird populations, has recently emerged as a threat to dairy cattle. -
ArticlesExploring the Basics of Calf Scours
Many factors affect the health and performance of calves on milk. A common problem, calf scours, or diarrhea, can severely affect the immediate and long-term health of those future replacements. -
ArticlesEnsure Heifers Thrive During Cold Weather
Dairy cattle, especially younger dairy animals, can be affected by cold stress, too. This article will focus on dairy heifers between post-weaning to calving age. -
NewsThe Dairy Industry's Growing Concern: Influenza A and Its Impact on Dairy Cattle
Date Posted 12/9/2024This article describes the new Federal Order for the National Milk Testing Strategy for HPAI in dairy cattle. -
ArticlesProviding Water to Calves at Birth – Liquid Feeds Serve a Different Purpose
Supplemental water for calves may allow for increased growth and improved digestive function. -
ArticlesHow Can You Improve Colostrum Quality on Your Dairy?
There are many management factors that can affect colostrum quality and quantity. -
ArticlesDairy Sense: Preventative Health Care for the Dairy Herd
Be proactive by performing an annual review of your herd health preventative care. -
ArticlesDairy Farm Preparation to Avoid the Winter Woes
A winter preparation checklist is a simple, but necessary tool. -
ArticlesCommon Pathogens Causing Diarrhea in Dairy Calves
Diarrhea is associated with more preweaning dairy calf deaths than any other disease. This article will discuss the pathogens that are associated with calf diarrhea.
