The present invention relates to compositions and methods for controlling infections in non-human mammals, particularly intra-mammary infections (IMIs). The invention is particularly suited to control infections and enhance the welfare of non-human mammals, preferably bovine, by improving mammary gland involution during dry off period. The invention is based on the use of acute phase proteins, more preferably Serum Amyloid A (SAA), even more preferably the isoform 3 (SAA-3).