The Philippine agriculture industry is populated by many individuals who tirelessly believe in the country’s potential to produce its own food. And while most people equate agriculture with its most direct practitioners—farmers, fishers, agripreneurs, and the like—what many people don’t realize is that researchers are an important part of this industry, too.

Researchers from Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) have developed the Philippine Mastitis Test (PMT), a locally developed, affordable mastitis detection reagent designed to help dairy farmers identify subclinical mastitis early and accurately.

Mastitis, the infection of the udder in dairy animals such as cows, buffalo, and goats, is a disease that can seriously affect herd health and farm profits.

The disease can be caused by harmful bacteria and may present in a number of ways, including the hardening of the udder, decreased milk production and quality, which, in worst case scenarios, may result in the premature culling of the affected animal. It is one of the most impactful diseases in the dairy industry worldwide as drinking contaminated milk is harmful to human health.

It can be prevented by proper sanitation, and regular testing is required by the National Dairy Authority (NDA). Commercially available imported mastitis test kits can be costly and sometimes difficult to obtain, and developing a local alternative is no small feat.

The technology was developed by TAU research instructor and PMT project leader Catherine Diane A. De Guzman as part of her Masters in Animal Science through a partnership between Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) and the Department of Science and Technology–Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) under the TECHNiCOM Program.

“We tested the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the test and have found it to be 99 percent accurate, aside from some parameters. We regularly conduct field demos with farmers so they can attest to how similar this kit is to the commercially available ones,” De Guzman said.

The kit works by testing milk samples using a strip and a reagent. It’s a rapid test, so it only takes a few minutes to get results. The test is especially important when it comes to detecting subclinical mastitis, which occurs without visible symptoms.

“As a cost-effective alternative to imported mastitis testing kits, the PMT enables farmers to improve milk quality, reduce production losses, and enhance overall herd health,” said research assistant Leinard Nathaniel Limos. “The project highlights the role of research-driven agricultural technologies in empowering small-scale dairy producers and strengthening the sustainability and profitability of the Philippine dairy industry.”

PMT is currently collaborating with the NDA to reach more dairy farmers nationwide. They are also looking for dairy farmers interested to collaborate during the research period.

The kit will not be available for retail until the research period ends in May 2026. However, PMT is conducting field demonstrations and training with interested farmers for free as part of the study. Interested parties can get in touch with them through the Philippine Mastitis Test on Facebook.