AUTHOR=Jama Mohamoud Mohamed , Hussein Hassan Abdi , Darod Ziad Abdulahi , Ahad Abdullahi Adan 

TITLE=Determination of prevalence of subclinical mastitis, characterization of intra-mammary infection-causing bacteria, and antibiotic susceptibility in dairy camels in Jigjiga City, Somali region, Ethiopia

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1398118

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2024.1398118

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=<sec id="sec1"><title>Background</title><p>Subclinical mastitis in camels, an inflammation of the udder without visible signs, can reduce milk quality and raise bacteria levels. Regular monitoring of camel milk is crucial for consumer safety.</p></sec><sec id="sec2"><title>Methods</title><p>A cross sectional study was conducted in Jigjiga city, Ethiopia to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of subclinical mastitis in she-camels. The study included 244 lactating she-camels from three privately-owned camel dairy farms, and a questionnaire survey was conducted with 60 camel owners.</p></sec><sec id="sec3"><title>Results</title><p>The overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis in she-camels was 10.6% (26/244), with no significant difference among the studied dairy farms. Risk factors that influenced the result of California Mastitis Test (CMT) included age and udder and leg hygiene. The study revealed that <italic>S. aureus</italic> was the most prevalent bacterium among the isolated bacteria, with a prevalence rate of 34.5%. This was followed by <italic>S. agalactiae</italic>, <italic>S. dysgalactiae</italic>, and <italic>Pasteurella multocida</italic>, with prevalence rates of 29.8, 19.4, and 16.2%, respectively. Among the isolated bacteria, 84.5% were sensitive to Erythromycin, 60% to Streptomycin, 44.7% to Oxytetracycline, and 36.7% to Tetracycline. Interviews with camel owners revealed that 66.7% used mixed herd grazing methods and reported feed shortage. Treatment practices for sick camels included modern veterinary drugs, traditional medicines, or a combination of both. The owners of camel dairy farms did not maintain proper hygiene practices during milking, such as not using soap when washing hands.</p></sec><sec id="sec4"><title>Conclusion</title><p>Addressing camel mastitis necessitates access to alternative drugs, comprehensive herder training, and enhanced management practices.</p></sec>