What disease should a healthy milk herd be free from?

A healthy milk herd should be free from all the listed diseases, which include mastitis, brucellosis, and tuberculosis. Each of these diseases poses significant risks not only to the health of the livestock but also to the safety of the milk produced for human consumption.

Mastitis is an infection of the udder tissue that can affect milk quality and quantity, leading to economic losses as well as potential health risks in humans through the consumption of affected milk. Reducing the incidence of mastitis in a herd is critical for maintaining healthy animals and ensuring the quality of milk.

Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It can cause severe illness in humans, including fever and systemic symptoms. A milk herd free from brucellosis protects both the animals and consumers from this zoonotic disease.

Tuberculosis in cattle, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is another serious concern. It can also be transmitted to humans, especially through the consumption of unpasteurized milk. Ensuring that a milk herd is free from tuberculosis helps safeguard public health.

Hence, being free from these diseases is essential for the overall health of the herd and the safety of the milk produced, leading to the conclusion that a