Prevalence of Bovine Mastitis and Its Risk Factors in Dairy Farms of Debre Berhan Milkshed, Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Admasu Lakew
Department of Animal Science, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia

Meskerem Terefe
Department of Agricultural Economics, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia.

Tilaye Demissie
Addis Ababa University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Bishoftu, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of bovine mastitis and its associated risk factors across various production systems in the urban and peri-urban areas of the Debre-berhan Milk shed, situated in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia. A total of 175 households were surveyed via semi-structured questionnaire to identify potential risk factors for mastitis, and clinical examinations and California Mastitis Test (CMT) screenings were performed on 510 lactating cows to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis. A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the prevalence of bovine mastitis and identify its predisposing factors. Mastitis prevalence was assessed in both urban and peri-urban production systems. The findings indicated a significantly higher prevalence in peri-urban systems (62.0%) compared to urban dairy production systems (47.5%). The overall prevalence of mastitis at the cow and quarter level was 72.2% and 55.95%, respectively. Among the mastitis cases, 54.9% were subclinical, while 17.3% were clinical mastitis. Additionally, out of the 2040 quarters examined, 55 (2.65%) were found to be blind. Factors such as age, breed, history of mastitis, milk yield, herd size, and teat lesions showed statistically significant associations with clinical mastitis prevalence (P<0.05). The most commonly isolated pathogen from mastitis-positive cases was Staphylococcus species (57.7%). Overall, the study revealed a high prevalence of mastitis, with age, breed, milk yield, lactation stage, teat lesions, herd size, and barn hygiene being significant contributors. To address this issue, it is crucial to increase awareness among dairy cow owners about maintaining clean udders, improving floor conditions through regular cleaning, and implementing medical interventions to enhance mastitis prevention and control programs in the study areas.

Keywords: clinical mastitis, risk factors, subclinical mastitis, prevalence

Author Biographies

Admasu Lakew, Department of Animal Science, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia

Meskerem Terefe, Department of Agricultural Economics, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia.

Tilaye Demissie, Addis Ababa University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Bishoftu, Ethiopia