Abera M., Abdi O., Abunna F., Megersa B.
Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Po box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
Abera, M., Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Po box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Abdi, O., Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Po box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Abunna, F., Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Po box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Megersa, B., Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Po box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
One hundred and forty-five traditionally kept lactating camels (Camelus dromederius) were examined for mastitis by combination of clinical, mastitis card test and subsequent bacteriological isolation. Clinical and sub-clinical mastitis were prevalent in 8.3% (95%CI = 4.6, 14.4) and 20.7% (95%CI = 14.6, 28.4) of the studied animals, respectively. This gives an overall mastitis prevalence of 29.0% (95%CI = 21.9, 37.2) at animal and 17.9% (95%CI = 14.9, 21.3) at quarter levels. High proportion (33.8%) of lactating camels had blind teats and 5.5% had lesions on udder or teat. Taking clinical mastitis and blocked teats into account, the study revealed that only 57.9% of the camels have four teats for milk production. Out of the 505 quarter milk samples examined, 80 (15.8 %) quarters were positive for indicator paper. Upon subsequent culturing, 68.8% (55 out of 80) of the quarter milk samples yielded bacteria. Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, E. coli and Bacillus species were the major isolates. Mastitis prevalence was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by tick infestations, udder lesions, and increased age and parity of the animals. In conclusion, mastitis is a major problem in traditionally managed camels and deserves further attention owning to its potential impact on milk production affecting food security. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
Animalia; Bacillus (bacterium); Bacteria (microorganisms); Camelidae; Camelus; Escherichia coli; Ixodida; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus; animal; animal disease; animal husbandry; article; camel; catering service; chemistry; Ethiopia; female; human; information processing; mastitis; microbiology; milk; questionnaire; udder; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Camels; Data Collection; Ethiopia; Female; Food Supply; Humans; Mammary Glands, Animal; Mastitis; Milk; Questionnaires