This research focuses on subclinical mastitis, a common but often unnoticed infection in dairy cows that can quietly reduce milk quality and production. Even though infected cows may look healthy, the bacteria causing the infection vary widely and can spread differently between animals and farms. This project studies these bacteria at a very detailed level using “DNA fingerprinting” to understand how they are related and how they move within and between dairy herds. It also examines whether these bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, which can make treatment less effective.

The goal is to give dairy farmers better information to manage mastitis more effectively. By identifying how infections spread and which bacteria are harder to treat, the study will help farmers and veterinarians make smarter decisions about prevention and treatment. This can lead to healthier cows, improved milk quality, reduced antibiotic use, and lower financial losses for farms—supporting more sustainable and responsible dairy production.