On July 2, HIPRA Portugal inaugurated it’s One Step Ahead of Mastitis series with the first event, themed “From Dry-off to Dry-off: Keeping Cows Healthy During Lactation”. Held at the Axis Póvoa de Varzim Hotel, the meeting brought together more than 30 veterinarians from across Portugal, all eager to deepen their knowledge in the prevention of bovine mastitis. 

After a welcome from Gil Sena (Business Unit Manager for Ruminants and Swine, HIPRA Portugal), the program featured a panel of expert speakers. Deolinda Silva (Technical Services Manager Ruminants, HIPRA Portugal) outlined the importance of entering the dry period with healthy cows, enabling selective dry cow therapy and reducing antimicrobial use. Achieving this, she noted, depends on good milkability, homeostasis, and udder resilience during high-risk periods.

Oriol Franquesa (QLlet, milk quality specialist) explained that milkability—milking efficiency without compromising udder health—is shaped by animal factors, management, and technology, with staff training, standardized routines, and proper equipment use as key pillars. 

Marga Penelas (Global Product Manager Dairy Franchise, HIPRA) addressed maintaining homeostasis during lactation, stressing proactive management to balance immunity, stress, health, and metabolic load, ensuring cows reach their full productive potential. In the closing presentation, Deolinda Silva highlighted how boosting natural immunity through vaccination and management can help protect against E. coli, S. aureus, and S. uberis.

The event’s key takeaway: a healthy dry-off starts with a well-managed lactation. Preventive care, targeted vaccination, and proper milking routines are essential to reducing disease incidence and antibiotic use. 

With this first OSAM event, HIPRA Portugal reaffirms its leadership in mastitis prevention and its commitment to innovation, training, and delivering the highest-quality animal health solutions.