Risk Factors Associated With Subclinical Sub-acute Mastitis In Dairy Goats In Central Kenya

Abstract

The prevalence of udder infections in clinically normal mammary gland halves of 315 dairy goats was determined over a three-month period by bacteriological examination. The most prevalent bacteria were Staphylococcus spp. (63.6%) followed by Micrococcus spp (17.7%). Of the Staphylococcus spp, coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most prevalent isolates (64.3%). Other bacteria were Acinetobactor spp. (5%), Actinomyces spp. (5%), and Streptococcus spp. (1.1%). The overall prevalence of intra-mammary bacterial infection was 28.7%. The effects of the type of the doe (milking/suckling), litter size, parity, type of housing, stage of lactation and milking hygiene on intra-mammary infection was determined using logistic multiple regression. The infection status of the udder was significantly influenced (p<0.05) by the type of housing and the milking hygiene. The does housed on earth floors were significantly (p<0.05) at a higher risk (odd ratio 9.9) of having bacteria isolated from their udders than the does housed in raised timber floors. Does that were not routinely washed with warm water before milking had significantly higher (p<0.05) intra-mammary bacterial infections (odd ratio 2.5) than those washed and dried with individual towels.