Bovine mastitis: Prevalence, causes and associated risk factors in Silte Zone, Ethiopia

Mastitis is an important disease of dairy cows, and it causes huge economic losses to farm owners due a decrease in milk production, reduction quality, increase the cost cow treatment. A crosssectional study was conducted Southern Ethiopia’s Silte zone from October 2020 June 2021 aimed estimate mastitis prevalence, assess related risk factors, identify prevalent bacterial causes. Three hundred eighty-four lactating cows were examined for abnormalities udder quarters teats. Milk samples tested subclinical via California test (CMT) cultured causative agents clinical mastitic CMT-positive cows. The overall prevalence 54.9% (95% CI=49.9-59.9), which 52.1% CI=47.1-57.1) 2.9% CI=1.6 -5.1) mastitis. From total 1536 41 (2.7%) found blind 427 (27.7%) affected by Overall, more hind quarters, 236 (55.5%) than front 189 (44.5%) udder. significantly higher during early lactation, ≤4 months (p< 0.05); increased with increasing parity 0.05) age 0.05). Cows no bedding those Multivariable logistic regression showed that round flat teat ends 2.84 11.85 times likely contract Also, pendulous udder, producing 10 liters per day 4 lactation 1.87, 6.81, 2.14 normal less after five months, respectively. collected 211 mastitis-positive using standard bacteriological technique, isolated bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (29.5%), epidermidis (14.2%), intermedius (11.6%), hyicus (11.1%), Streptococcus agalactiae (8.9%), disgalactiae (6.3%), E. coli (5.8%), uberis(5.3%), Klebsiella spp. (1.6%) Enterococcus (1.1%). Owners should givepro care are advised apply dry therapy. Extension workers raise awareness.