The prevalence of subclinical mastitis in dairy goats in Kenya

California mastitis test (CMT), direct leukocytes counts and bacteriological examination were performed on 630 milk samples from apparently healthy mammary glands of dairy goats comprising a mixed population of German Alpine, Toggenberg, Saanen and Galla crosses to find the prevalence of subclinical mastitis. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 9.8% according to CMT, 9.7% according to direct leukocyte counts and 28.7% by bacterial isolation during a 3-month period. The proportion of the bacteriologically positive milk samples was significantly (P <0.01) higher than that positive for CMT and direct leukocyte counts. There was a significant (P < 0.01) correlation between CMT and direct leukocyte counts. There was no significant direct relationship between bacterial isolation and CMT Bacterial organisms were isolated in 22.5% of the 568 CMT-negative milk samples. The results suggest that bacterial organisms isolated from the CMT-negative milksamples were either latent infections or did not stimulate any significant increase in somatic cell counts that could be detected by either the CMT or direct leukocyte counts. The observations of this study indicate that the mere presence of bacteria in goat's milk does not mean that the udder is infected and so does not warrant antibiotic therapy.     

规模化奶牛场奶牛亚临床型乳房炎流行规律调查

目的 本研究旨在摸清兰考县规模化奶牛场奶牛亚临床乳房炎流行规律,为该病的防控提供参考。方法 采用加州奶牛亚临床乳房炎试验（CMT）方法对3 家规模化奶牛场的547 头泌乳奶牛进行亚临床乳房炎检测,调查该病与奶牛胎次、泌乳期和乳区的关系。结果 奶牛阳性率为20.11%,乳区阳性率为10.88%;1~2、3~4和≥5胎次的奶牛发病率分别为13.37%、20.53%和29.46%;泌乳前期、泌乳中期和泌乳后期发病率分别为15.11%、22.12%和30.89%;乳区阳性率介于8.59%~13.16%。结论 兰考县规模化奶牛场奶牛亚临床型乳房炎的发病率相对较低,与胎次、泌乳期存在正相关,与乳区无明显关系。     

Prevalence and Determinants of Mastitis and Milk‐borne Zoonoses in Smallholder Dairy Farming Sector in Kibaha and Morogoro Districts in Eastern Tanzania

A study was carried out to establish the prevalence and determinants of mastitis and milk‐borne zoonoses in smallholder dairy farms in Kibaha and Morogoro districts (Tanzania). A total of 57 herds comprising 114 milking cows in Kibaha and 48 herds consisting of 96 milking animals in Morogoro were included in the study. A questionnaire survey was used to assess the socio‐economic determinants of mastitis, whereas California mastitis test (CMT) and microbiological assessment of milk was carried out to establish the status of mastitis and responsible aetiological agents. Seroconversion for brucellosis was evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Animals were also tuberculin‐tested using a single comparative intradermal method and milk samples were cultured for isolation of Mycobacterium species. Based on CMT, the cow‐based prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 82.4% in Kibaha and 62.4% in Morogoro. Of the 919‐quarter milk samples cultured, 8.2% were positive for aerobic bacteria with predominant isolates being Staphylococcus epidermidis (2.8%), Staph. aureus (1.7%), Streptococcus agalactiae (1.2%) and Staph. intermedius (1.1%). There was a strong association between CMT positivity and bacteriological isolation [relative risk (RR) = 2.60; P = 0.02]. Fungal growth was observed in 21.8% (n = 881) of the samples and the isolates were yeast (19.2%), Mucor (2.5%) and Aspergillus (0.1%). Bucket feeding of calves was associated with increased risk of a quarter being CMT positive (RR = 1.24; P = 0.000), while residual calf suckling was associated with decreased risk of positivity (RR = 0.86; P = 0.015). Earth floor was associated with increased risk of CMT positivity at quarter level (RR = 1.13; P = 0.041) and Jersey breed was identified as a risk factor to mastitis. The prevalence of bovine tuberculosis was 0.4% (n = 259) and 1.7% (n = 181) in Kibaha and Morogoro, respectively. Similarly, the prevalence of brucellosis was 1% (n = 208) in Kibaha and 1.9% (n = 104) in Morogoro. Findings from this study have demonstrated a high prevalence of subclinical mastitis and existence of health risks to milk consumers despite the low prevalence of tuberculosis and brucellosis in the study herds.     

Prevalence of bovine subclinical mastitis and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of major mastitis pathogens isolated in Unguja island of Zanzibar,Tanzania

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and July 2014 in Unguja island of Zanzibar to establish prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) in smallholder dairy cows and patterns of antibacterial susceptibility of major mastitis pathogens isolated. A total of 416 dairy cows from 201 farmers were randomly selected from three districts of Unguja Island to participate in the study. Questionnaire interview, field observation, individual cow examination, California Mastitis Test (CMT) and bacteriological examination were carried out. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique was used to test drug sensitivity for common bacteria isolated. Based on CMT results, the overall prevalence of SCM was 28.6, 48.8 and 64.7% at quarter, cow and farm level, respectively. Prevalence of bacterial infection was recorded at 42.9, 70.9 and 78.6% at quarter, cow and farm examined, respectively. The common bacteria isolated included Staphylococcus aureus (36.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (16.1%), Klebsiella spp. (9.5%), Micrococcus spp. (6.3%) and Escherichia coli (4.9%). In conclusion, findings of this study demonstrated high level of subclinical mastitis at farms, cows and quarters levels with both contagious and environmental bacterial pathogen involved. Therefore, efforts should be directed to the decreased subclinical mastitis by improving sanitary measures and proper milking practice.     

奶牛乳腺炎的细菌学研究

在对山东7个地区14个奶牛场临床型和隐性乳腺炎调查的基础上采集234头临床乳腺炎病牛乳样、241个隐性乳腺炎乳样并分别做了细菌学检查,结果表明:泌乳期临床型乳腺炎病原菌以凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、链球菌、酵母菌和棒状杆菌为主;干奶期临床型乳腺炎病原菌以大肠杆菌、链球菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌和酵母菌为主;隐性乳腺炎病原菌以凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌、金黄色葡萄球菌链球菌、酵母菌、假单胞菌和棒状杆菌为主;厌氧菌在隐性乳腺炎、干奶期乳腺炎和干奶期乳腺炎乳样的捡出率分别为 5．82％,4．17%,10．16％;隐性乳腺炎、干奶期乳腺炎细菌的共感染率较高,与泌乳期乳腺炎病原菌的差异极显著(P<0．01),隐性乳腺炎与干奶期乳腺炎病原菌共感染率差异不显著(P >0．05)。     

宁波市奶牛乳房炎发病及综合防治试验研究

为了解宁波地区奶牛乳房炎发病及主要病原菌构成,采用乳房炎诊断试剂(HMT)对宁波市8个奶牛场307头泌乳牛的1249个乳区进行了隐性乳房炎流行情况调查,采集HMT反应阳性(++)及强阳性(+++)乳区奶样进行细菌分离与鉴定;用纸片扩散法检测主要病原菌对常用抗菌药物敏感性,并选择具代表性牧场进行乳房炎综合防治试验。结果显示,宁波市奶牛隐性乳房炎的头阳性率为71.3%,乳区阳性率为33.5%。主要病原菌的检出率依次为:凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌47.1%、无乳链球菌20.4%、停乳链球菌17.3%、金黄色葡萄球菌5.1%和乳房链球菌3.9%。主要病原菌对青霉素、氨苄青霉素、庆大霉素、复方新诺明和链霉素等药物有不同程度的耐药性,对头孢类及苯唑青霉素敏感。综合防治措施的实施可以明显降低桶奶总细菌数,改善牛奶品质。     

Risk factors for bovine mastitis in the Central Province of Sri Lanka

A study of the risk factors associated with mastitis in Sri Lankan dairy cattle was conducted to inform risk reduction activities to improve the quality and quantity of milk production and dairy farmer income. A cross-sectional survey of randomly selected dairy farms was undertaken to investigate 12 cow and 39 herd level and management risk factors in the Central Province. The farm level prevalence of mastitis (clinical and subclinical) was 48 %, similar to what has been found elsewhere in South and Southeast Asia. Five cow level variables, three herd level variables, and eight management variables remained significant (p?相似文献   

新疆克拉玛依地区奶牛隐性乳房炎病原菌的分离鉴定

用兰州乳房炎检测试剂(Lanzhou mastitis test,LMT)对克拉玛依规模化奶牛场进行了奶牛隐性乳房炎流行病学调查。结果显示,该地区奶牛隐性乳房炎的发病率为70.43%(543/771)。对543份阳性牛乳样品进行了病原菌的分离鉴定,结果发现,阳性乳样品中细菌分离率达89.13%(484/543),葡萄球菌、链球菌、肠杆菌和棒状杆菌为主要致病菌,且多为几种致病菌的混合感染。     

Isolation and Identification of Pathogenic Bacteria Causing Bovine Subclinical Mastitis in Eastern Hebei Province

In this study, the milk samples of 1 021 cows in eight dairy farms in Eastern Hebei Province were collected and detected with LMT reagent and somatic cell count for subclinical mastitis. Pathogenic bacteria in subclinical mastitis positive milk samples were isolated and identified.The results showed that 60.63%(619/1 021) of the sampled cows were diagnosed with subclinical mastitis, and mixed infections accounted for 88.21%(546/619) of the cases. In addition, 82 strains of 14 species were isolated from the subclinical mastitis positive milk samples, including 36 strains of Staphylococcus(43.90%), 33 strains of Streptococcus(40.24%), 8 strains of Enterobacteriaceae(9.76%) and 5 strains of Corynebacterium(6.10%), respectively. The results proved that Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae are the main pathogenic bacteria causing bovine subclinical mastitis in Eastern Hebei Province.     

Risk Indicators Associated with Subclinical Mastitis in Smallholder Dairy Cows in Tanzania

Smallholder dairy farmers in Tanzania appear to be unaware of the subclinical mastitis situation in their cows. A cross-sectional study was carried out between June and September 2002 on smallholder dairy herds in the Dar es Salaam region. The study objectives were to establish the prevalence of subclinical mastitis and related risk indicators, and to assess their contribution to the occurrence of subclinical mastitis. Three field procedures based on the principles of herd health and production management were followed: clinical, farm and data inspection. The California mastitis test (CMT) was carried out on quarter milk samples to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis. A total of 182 lactating cows from 62 herds were investigated. Clinical inspection indicated that 3.8% of the lactating cows had clinical mastitis. Subclinical mastitis was detected in 90.3% of lactating cows screened. Farm inspection revealed that water scarcity, barn size, residual suckling, single udder-towel and dairy labourers as the most substantial (p < 0.05) risk indicators. Although most of the risk indicators studied were not found to be statistically significantly associated with the occurrence of subclinical mastitis, possibly owing to sample size and the presence of confounders, the epidemiological need to address such risk indicators cannot be overemphasized.     

Prevalence of Mastitis and Brucellosis in Cattle in Awassa and the Peri‐Urban Areas of Two Smaller Towns

The prevalence of mastitis and brucellosis in urban and peri‐urban settings was studied in Awassa and two smaller nearby towns in southern Ethiopia, because milk‐born diseases are causing a risk for human health, besides direct impacts on animal production. Mastitis was investigated by examining 80 cows (320 udder quarters) using California mastitis test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC). The prevalence of brucellosis was assessed by sampling 177 cattle in Awassa and its peri‐urban areas using serological methods. Logistic regression was used to analyse risk factors associated with mastitis. Prevalence of clinical mastitis on quarter level was 0.9%, and 1.9% of quarters were non‐functional or blocked. Prevalence of sub‐clinical mastitis at quarter level in urban and peri‐urban areas was significantly different (P < 0.05). Cows in large herds and at advanced lactation number were associated with higher risk of infection. The percentage of quarters positive on CMT (42.5%) was close to the percentage‐positive detected by SCC (41.2%). Prevalence of brucellosis was 3.9% in the peri‐urban area, while no brucellosis cases were detected in Awassa. More frequent use of artificial insemination in the urban than in peri‐urban area might have contributed to the absence of brucellosis in the urban location. The extent of mastitis is, however, a threat to the dairy enterprise in and around Awassa. Pasteurization of milk and milk products is indicated in some parts of the area because of the danger of brucellosis.     

Prevalence of subclinical mastitis and associated risk factors in smallholder dairy cows in Tanzania

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 200 randomly selected farms in each of the Iringa and Tanga regions of Tanzania to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for subclinical mastitis in dairy cows kept by smallholders. Subclinical mastitis was assessed using the California mastitis test (cmt), and by the bacteriological culture of 1500 milk samples collected from 434 clinically normal cows. The percentages of the cows (and quarters) with subclinical mastitis were 75.9 per cent (46.2 per cent) when assessed by the cmt and 43.8 per cent (24.3 per cent) when assessed by culture. Factors significantly associated with an increased risk of a cmt-positive quarter were Boran breed (odds radio [or]=3.51), a brought-in cow (rather than homebred) (or=2.39), peak milk yield, and age. The stripping method of hand milking was associated with a significantly lower prevalence of cmt-positive quarters (or=0.51). The cmt-positive cows were more likely to be culture positive (or=4.51), as were brought-in (or=2.10) and older cows.     

Major causes of mastitis and associated risk factors in smallholder dairy farms in and around Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was carried out from October 2008 to May 2009 in smallholder dairy farms in and around Hawassa to estimate the prevalence of mastitis, to isolate and characterize major bacterial pathogens, and to identify possible associated factors. The study involved a total of 201 milking cows randomly drawn from smallholder farms. The prevalence of clinical and subclinical mastitis was determined through clinical examination of the udder and using mastitis indicator paper (Bovivet indicator paper, Kruuse, Denmark). The prevalence of mastitis at cow and quarter level was 30.3 (61/201) and 10.3 (79/766), respectively. Subclinical mastitis was 25.4% and 5.0% was clinical. Stage of lactation significantly affected (P < 0.05) the prevalence of mastitis, with the highest prevalence observed in the late stage of lactation (41.3%) as compared to early (25.0%) and mid (22.1%) stages of lactation. Floor type and bedding had association (P < 0.05) with mastitis prevalence. Cows housed in concrete-floored houses had lower prevalence (19.0%) of mastitis compared to cows kept in soil-floored houses (47.6%). Mastitis prevalence was low in farms which do not use bedding (23.5%) as compared to farms using hay/straw bedding (37.4%). However, age, parity, and history of mastitis had no association (P > 0.05) on the prevalence of mastitis. The pathogens isolated from mastitic cows were Staphylococcus aureus (48.6%), other staphylococci species (15.7%), Streptococcus agalactiae (11.4%), other streptococci (17.1%), Bacillus species (2.9%), and coliforms (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species) (4.3%). Strict hygienic measure of housing and bedding should be considered, in reducing the prevalence of mastitis.     

Bovine mastitis and its association with selected risk factors in smallholder dairy farms in and around Bahir Dar,Ethiopia

Three hundred fifty one (195 local zebu and 156 Holstein x local zebu crosses) lactating cows of smallholder farms in Bahir Dar 'milk shed' were examined from September 2003 to March 2004 to determine mastitis prevalence, isolate pathogens and identify the role of some potential risk factors. Clinical prevalence was determined through examination of abnormalities of milk, udder or cow. California mastitis test (CMT) was used for determination of subclinical mastitis prevalence. Clinical prevalence at cow level was 3.9% in crossbreds and none in local zebu breeds. Subclinical mastitis at cow level based on CMT was high (34.4%) in crossbreds compared to indigenous zebu (17.9%) (p < 0.05). Quarter subclinical prevalence based on CMT was 17.9% and 4.9% in crossbreds and local zebu, respectively. The pathogens isolated from mastitic milk (CMT positive milk) were coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS), S. aureus, Str. agalactiae, Str. dysgalactiae, Str. uberis, Micrococcus species, C. bovis, A. pyogens, B. cereus, and S. intermedius. Among these, the most frequent isolates were CNS (50%), S. aureus (19%), Str. agalactiae (8%) and Str. dysgalactiae (7%). Among potential risk factors considered, stage of lactation, parity and breed were found to affect the occurrence of mastitis significantly (p < 0.05).     

Udder health and risk factors for subclinical mastitis in organic dairy farms in Switzerland

A study was performed in 1997 to estimate the prevalence and to investigate the etiology of subclinical mastitis in Swiss dairy herds managed under guidelines of controlled organic farming. It was planned as a longitudinal study over a period of 1 year and included a stratified random sample of 152 certified organic farms and 1907 cows. Two farm visits (the first from June to October when cows were on pasture, the second from January to March when cows were confined to barns) were performed on each farm. At each visit, farm management and individual-cow data (with emphasis on milking procedures and udder sanitation) were recorded. California mastitis tests (CMTs) were performed on each udder quarter of all cows in lactation. Milk samples with CMT >1+ were submitted for somatic cell counting (SCC), bacteriological examination and to test for antibiotic susceptibility. The SCC and germ-cell counts of monthly bulk-tank milk samples were available through Dairy Inspection and Advisory Services and milk production data of 567 herd-book cows were available from breeding associations. Possible individual and environmental predictors of subclinical mastitis were identified using logistic models adjusted for clustering of the data at herd and cow levels. Data were analyzed separately for cows from 7 to 100 and from 101 to 305 days post partum. Prevalences of subclinical mastitis at the quarter level were 21.2% for lactation period 7–100 days and 34.5% for 101–305 days post partum. The geometric mean SCC in bulk-tank milk samples was 85.6×10³ cells/ml. Samples at 7–100 and 101–305 days post partum were positive for Staphylococcus aureus in 16.0 and 7.4%, for coagulase-negative Staphylococci in 51.5 and 50.6%, for Streptococcus agalactiae in 0.0 and 0.8%, for other Streptococci in 19.4 and 15.6%, for E. coli in 1.0 and 0.4%, and for Corynebacterium bovis in 25.7 and 45.1%, respectively. Risks of subclinical mastitis increased significantly with increasing days post partum and advancing age of cow. Cows that were sampled when staying in alpine dairies had considerably higher risks of subclinical mastitis than cows staying in home barns. Significantly lower risks of subclinical mastitis were observed in farms where CMT was performed regularly as a control measure. Bacteria in milk from cows with mastitis exhibited antibiotic resistance at a comparable frequency as found previously in conventional farms.     

Feline T-Lymphotropic Virus (FTLV) (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection) in cats in New Zealand

AIM: To identify and enumerate colony forming units (cfu) of mastitis pathogens in bulk tank milk (BTM) from pasture-fed New Zealand dairy cows in the Waikato region.

METHODS: BTM samples from seven seasonal-calving dairy herds in the Waikato region were collected monthly from August to December 2004 (cows calved during July-September). Milk samples were cultured on blood aesculin and MacConkey agar plates for 24 h, and the number of mastitis pathogens identified and counted.

RESULTS: Colonies identified in BTM included aesculinpositive streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), and coliforms; counts ranged from zero to >1,000 cfu/ml. Counts >1,000 cfu/ml for total aesculin-positive streptococci, CNS and coliforms were present in 48%, 51% and 11% of BTM samples, respectively. Counts of Staph. aureus ranged from zero to 1,000 cfu/ml, but first appeared in BTM samples only in October. Staphylococcus aureus was repeatedly isolated in BTM from 4/7 farms during the testing period.

CONCLUSIONS: Counts of mastitis pathogens in this study appeared high relative to interpretive criteria set by other workers, which may indicate a high prevalence of mastitis risk factors on these farms. Interpretation of results is difficult as aesculinpositive streptococci, CNS and coliforms can be isolated from the environment as well as from cows with clinical or subclinical mastitis. Furthermore, Staph. aureus is inconsistently excreted from infected bovine mammary glands. More extensive study of this method is required in New Zealand to attempt to further validate the interpretation of results of bacterial culture of BTM.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This method may be used to monitor challenge from mastitis pathogens over time as part of milk quality control programmes. The technique may be of use as a screening test to provide information to veterinarians, affording them the opportunity to have an input into mastitis control on dairy farms in New Zealand.     

我国规模牛场奶牛个体生鲜乳体细胞数水平及影响因素探析

本研究旨在探析我国规模奶牛场奶牛个体生鲜乳体细胞数（SCC）的水平、分布和影响因素。利用SAS9.0的GLM模型,统计分析覆盖16个省（市、区）,33个规模奶牛场,23 351头中国荷斯坦牛,从2007年至2009年连续3年的225 775条奶牛个体生鲜乳SCC检测记录。结果表明：奶牛个体生鲜乳SCC的总体均值为48×104cell/mL,标准差为117×104cell/mL,个体生鲜乳SCC波动范围较大;其中,77.9%的奶牛个体,其生鲜乳SCC小于50×104cell/mL,对群体混合样生鲜乳SCC的影响系数为0.26;11.3%的奶牛个体,其生鲜乳SCC介于50×104～100×104cell/mL之间,乳房处于隐性感染状态,对群体混合样生鲜乳SCC的影响系数为0.16;10.8%的奶牛个体,生鲜乳SCC大于100×104cell/mL,理论上乳房处于临床感染状态,对群体混合样生鲜乳SCC的影响系数为0.58。奶牛个体生鲜乳体细胞数评分（SCS）呈正态分布,与奶牛个体因素（产奶量、乳脂率、乳蛋白含量、胎次和泌乳阶段）和环境因素（泌乳月份、泌乳季节）差异极显著（P〈0.01）,与奶牛养殖区域、奶牛场差异不显著（P〉0.05）。我国规模奶牛场奶牛个体生鲜乳SCC主要在50×104cell/mL以下,依据影响参数能实现对生鲜乳SCC水平的调控。     

Mastitis pathogens present in bulk tank milk from seven dairy herds in the Waikato region, New Zealand

AIM: To identify and enumerate colony forming units (cfu) of mastitis pathogens in bulk tank milk (BTM) from pasture-fed New Zealand dairy cows in the Waikato region. METHODS: BTM samples from seven seasonal-calving dairy herds in the Waikato region were collected monthly from August to December 2004 (cows calved during July-September). Milk samples were cultured on blood aesculin and MacConkey agar plates for 24 h, and the number of mastitis pathogens identified and counted. RESULTS: Colonies identified in BTM included aesculin-positive streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), and coliforms; counts ranged from zero to >1,000 cfu/ml. Counts>1,000 cfu/ml for total aesculin-positive streptococci, CNS and coliforms were present in 48%, 51% and 11% of BTM samples, respectively. Counts of Staph. aureus ranged from zero to 1,000 cfu/ml, but first appeared in BTM samples only in October. Staphylococcus aureus was repeatedly isolated in BTM from 4/7 farms during the testing period. CONCLUSIONS: Counts of mastitis pathogens in this study appeared high relative to interpretive criteria set by other workers, which may indicate a high prevalence of mastitis risk factors on these farms. Interpretation of results is difficult as aesculin-positive streptococci, CNS and coliforms can be isolated from the environment as well as from cows with clinical or subclinical mastitis. Furthermore, Staph. aureus is inconsistently excreted from infected bovine mammary glands. More extensive study of this method is required in New Zealand to attempt to further validate the interpretation of results of bacterial culture of BTM. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This method may be used to monitor challenge from mastitis pathogens over time as part of milk quality control programmes. The technique may be of use as a screening test to provide information to veterinarians, affording them the opportunity to have an input into mastitis control on dairy farms in New Zealand.     

Meta-analysis of the prevalence of mastitis and associated risk factors in dairy cattle in Ethiopia

Mastitis is among the most prevalent disease that contributes for the reduction of milk production in dairy herds. Although several published studies have estimated the prevalence of mastitis, variation among studies is great. The objective of the present meta-analysis was to provide a pooled estimate of the prevalence of overall, clinical, and subclinical mastitis in dairy cattle in Ethiopia. A pooled estimate was also conducted by potential risk factors. The literature search was restricted to studies published in English language from January 2002 to June 2016. Meta-analysis of 39 studies was done under random effects model using metafor package in R software. The pooled estimate of the overall prevalence of mastitis on cow-basis was found to be 47.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]?=?42.0, 52.0). The pooled prevalence with the 95% CI for clinical and subclinical mastitis was 8.3% (95% CI?=?6.5, 10.3) and 37% (95% CI?=?32.9, 40.7) respectively. There is a statistically significant and high heterogeneity of the prevalence estimates between published studies. The odds of occurrence of mastitis were higher in cows at early (odds ratio [OR]?=?1.6; 95% CI?=?1.4, 1.8) and late lactation (OR?=?1.3; 95% CI?=?1.2, 1.5) than mid lactation, in cows with 3–4 (OR?=?1.5; 95% CI?=?1.4, 1.7) and >4 parity number (OR?=?2.9; 95% CI?=?2.6, 3.4) than those with 1–2 parity number. Previous history of mastitis, floor type, milking hygiene, and udder injury had also statistically significant effect on pooled prevalence of mastitis (P?<?0.05). The present study reported that there is high prevalence of mastitis in dairy cows in Ethiopia, which could contribute to the low productivity in lactating cows. The statistically significant association of risk factors such as floor type, milking hygiene, and presence of udder injury with mastitis may suggest that dairy farmers can reduce the occurrence of the disease by improving their management practices.     

Reduced Milk Production in Udder Quarters with Subclinical Mastitis and Associated Economic Losses in Crossbred Dairy Cows in Ethiopia

The objective of the study was to estimate the losses associated with subclinical mastitis (SCM) in crossbred dairy cows in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia. A split udder investigation was performed with 30 cows to determine production losses associated with SCM. Each quarter of the study cows was examined using the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and quarter milk production was measured over a period of 8 days. Production losses were determined for different CMT scores by comparing production of quarters with CMT score 0 to quarters with CMT scores trace, 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Using data from a recently published study, economic losses were determined for different farm sizes and production subsystems by multiplying the prevalence of the respective CMT scores with the production losses associated with these CMT scores. Mean quarter milk production was 0.82 + 0.40 kg per milking in the split udder trial. Milk production was reduced by 1.2%, 6.3%, and 33% in quarters with CMT scores 1+, 2+, and 3+, respectively. Using data from the published study, a quarter with SCM lost an average of 17.2% of its milk production. Production losses associated with SCM were estimated at 5.6% for the Addis Ababa Milk Shed. Stratified losses were highest (9.3%) in urban dairy farms (UDF) and small-scale farms (6.3%). The estimates of the financial losses ranged from US$29.1 in dairy herds in secondary towns (DHIST) to US$66.6 in UDF. A total loss of US$38 was estimated for each cow per lactation. Reducing mastitis in UDF (highest prevalence) to the level of DHIST (lowest prevalence) could reduce the loss by US$35. As this does not include costs associated with treatment or culling of diseased cows, this figure probably underestimates the possible benefits of control measures.