Application of disinfectants in the prevention and control of bovine mastitis

Abstract

A literature review was conducted to assess global trends and scientific contributions related to the use of disinfectants in the control of bovine mastitis. Bovine mastitis, a major inflammatory disease affecting dairy cows, is predominantly caused by bacterial infections and remains a significant concern for global dairy production. Among the preventive and control measures, the application of disinfectants plays a crucial role, particularly in pre- and post-milking hygiene protocols. To provide a more structured overview, this work maps publication trends, regional contributions, and evaluates the efficacy and diversity of disinfectants tested in vivo and in vitro. This review aimed to explore and synthesize the current scientific knowledge regarding the use of disinfectants in the control and prevention of bovine mastitis, focusing on the main chemical classes, mechanisms of antimicrobial action, efficacy, and emerging alternatives. Scientific articles were selected from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SciELO databases up to December 2024. From a total of 309 initially identified records, 86 relevant studies were included based on thematic alignment with disinfectant application in dairy production. Most publications originated from developed countries, particularly the United States (34.9%) and Germany (3.6%), with Brazil (19.3%) standing out in the South American context. A steady annual growth of approximately 5.6% in publication volume was observed, with increased scientific attention to sustainable alternatives from 2007 onwards. Synthetic disinfectants such as iodophors, chlorhexidine, and sodium hypochlorite remain widely studied due to their high in vivo and in vitro efficacy. In contrast, natural and biotechnological alternatives—such as essential oils, silver nanoparticles, and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)—have shown promising potential but require further validation. Key challenges identified include the need for standardization of concentrations, clear application protocols, and comprehensive safety assessments. This review emphasizes the importance of broadening research efforts in diverse geographic regions and of developing standardized, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly disinfection strategies, contributing to both animal health and the sustainability of global dairy production. The combination of scientometric and analytical review approaches contributes to both understanding research dynamics and identifying gaps in disinfection strategies.