Epidemiology and Financial Impact of Bovine Mastitis in an Animal Production and Research Center and Small Holder Dairy Farms in HoroGuduru Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia

Mastitis is inflammation of parenchyma of the mammary gland regardless of the causative agent. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, risk factors and financial losses caused by mastitis in six small holder dairy farms and the Animal Production and Research Center of the Wollega University. Data was collected through a questionaire on extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors and financial loss for one year production cycle. Sub-clinical mastitis prevalence was diagnosed using the California Mastitis test (CMT). Chi square, univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods were used to determine the risk factors of the disease. CMT’s were done on 154 lactating cows. The result of the study showed a prevalence rate of 46.75%, with 36.36% subclinical and 10.39% clinical mastitis cases. The analysis of extrinsic risk factors showed the management system is poor for most farms. Multivariable logistic regression showed breed, age and lactation status are the main risk factors that contribute for occurrence of the disease. When all farms were put together, the disease caused total loss of 2,949.8USD (59,719.08ETB), with an average annual milk loss of 22.3% in cross breed and 2.24% in local zebu cattle., Results of this study showed a high mastitis prevalence rate resulting in significant milk production and economic losses. Factors identified which may have played a role include dairy cow management, breed, age and lactation status. Recommendations to address these problems should be made awareness creation for the dairy cow owners on housing and management of dairy cow; awareness creation for the dairy cow owners on sources of mastitis pathogen and transmission methods of mastitis causing agent; design and implementation of control methods and further investigation of the disease by researcher were recommended.