Course Description

This advanced-level course, "Mastitis Epidemiology and Diagnostic," is the second in a series of three MOOCs designed to provide comprehensive knowledge on bovine mastitis. Developed by experts from over 20 countries, this course is primarily aimed at graduate students embarking on research projects related to udder health. The 18-hour program delves deep into the intricacies of mastitis, covering crucial aspects such as risk factors, prevalence and incidence measurements, pathogen identification, and diagnostic methods.

What students will learn

• Animal health, with a focus on bovine udder health
• Veterinary science principles related to mastitis
• Epidemiology of mastitis, including risk factors and measurement techniques
• Identification and understanding of major mastitis-causing pathogens
• Conventional and cutting-edge diagnostic methods for mastitis
• Transmission modalities of pathogens (contagious or environmental)

Pre-requisites

This course is designed for individuals with a solid scientific background, preferably in veterinary science or animal health. While primarily targeted at graduate students, it is also suitable for:

• Veterinarians seeking to deepen their knowledge
• Teachers in agriculture and animal health
• Individuals with a scientific background and interest in udder health

Course Coverage

• Mastitis glossary and terminology
• General epidemiology of mastitis
• Heifer mastitis
• Contagious and environmental pathogens
• Non-aureus staphylococci
• Milk culture techniques
• PCR methods for mastitis diagnosis
• Somatic Cell Count (SCC) and other inflammation markers
• On-farm culture methods
• Advanced molecular diagnostic techniques

Who this course is for

• Graduate students conducting master's or doctoral projects on udder health
• Veterinarians looking for continuing education and cutting-edge knowledge
• Teachers in agriculture and animal health fields
• Dairy practitioners seeking to enhance their understanding of mastitis
• Researchers and professionals in the dairy industry

Real-world Applications

The knowledge and skills gained from this course have immediate practical applications in the dairy industry and veterinary practice. Learners will be equipped to:

• Conduct advanced research on bovine mastitis
• Implement effective mastitis prevention and control strategies in dairy farms
• Accurately diagnose mastitis using both conventional and innovative methods
• Advise dairy farmers on best practices for udder health management
• Contribute to the development of new diagnostic tools and treatment approaches
• Enhance the overall health and productivity of dairy herds

Syllabus