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

Abstract

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.

Socio-economic impacts of brucellosis on livestock production and reproduction performance in Koibatek and Marigat regions, Baringo County, Kenya

“…However, there was no impact of stillbirth, swollen testes and weak calf and lambs on milk production as reported by farmers in this region. In previous studies carried out in other settings [17], it was demonstrated that mastitis suspected to be resulting from brucellosis infection led to reduction in milk production in cattle. Even though mastitis was not evaluated in the current study, the findings in the previous study is generally consistent with our observations that suspected brucellosis infection symptoms are directly related to reduced mild production.…”

Importance of bovine mastitis in Africa

“…4). These reports show that >3400 cows have been tested for clinical and subclinical mastitis in dairy herds scattered in and around Ethiopia over the past decade or so (Dego and Tareke, 2003; Sori et al , 2005; Lakew et al , 2009; Abebe et al , 2010; Bitew et al , 2010; Mekibib et al , 2010; Moges et al , 2011; Almaw et al , 2012; Daka et al , 2012; Girma et al , 2012; Haftu et al , 2012; Tadesse and Chanie, 2012; Abera et al , 2013; Belayneh et al , 2013; Yohannis and Molla, 2013; Zeryehun et al , 2013; Benti and Zewdie, 2014; Hailemeskel et al , 2014; Zenebe et al , 2014). This suggests that some African countries have higher prevalence of bovine mastitis than others, and may be more involved in dealing with disease detection, treatment and impacts than other countries.…”