Bovine Subclinical Mastitis Foodborne Pathogens: Risks and Mitigation of Microbial Safety of Raw Milk and Dairy Products.

Abstract

Bovine subclinical mastitis (SCM), unlike clinical mastitis, characterized by the absence of visible symptoms such as swelling and abnormal milk, represents an under-recognized challenge for microbial safety within the dairy industry. Because SCM lacks visible signs, it can serve as a silent source of contamination that is not easily identified or managed during milk production. The review critically examines the multifaceted interplay between SCM and the transmission of such pathogens in milk, highlighting their entry routes, detection modalities, and contributory risk factors to the dairy industry, considering global and regional variability, the prevalence, diversity, and emerging trends in milk-borne pathogens are considered. To address these challenges, an integrative One Health-aligned mitigation framework that combines microbial risk assessment, genomic surveillance, and data-driven risk prioritization is recommended. Such strategies aim to harmonize detection protocols, optimize antimicrobial stewardship, and strengthen control measures across dairy value chains. By synthesizing current knowledge, this review article underscores the importance of SCM as a food safety issue and offers a critical foundation for developing comprehensive strategies to mitigate public health risks.