Incidence, risk factors and economic impact of clinical mastitis in dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius)

The study aimed to investigate the incidence, risk factors and economic impact of clinical mastitis in an organized camel herd located at Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. Furthermore, bacterial pathogens were isolated and identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis. The overall annual incidence of clinical mastitis was 25%, with highest incidence in Bikaneri and Mewari breed followed by Kachchhi and Jaisalmeri breeds. Animals with high peak yield appeared at higher risk, though statistical significance could not be established for any risk factor included in the study. Highest incidence was recorded in camels falling in 4th or higher parity group. In 80% cases, only one udder quarter was involved, while in rest 20% cases, two udder quarters were involved. Quarter-wise incidence was maximum in right fore-quarter followed by left fore-quarter, right hind-quarter and left hind-quarter. Important pathogens identified included Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus uberis, Bacillus clausii and Corynebacterium amylocolatum. Other isolates included Staphylococcus hominis, Streptococcus pluranimalium, Aerococcus viridians and Moraxella osloensis. The mean cost of clinical mastitis per animal per month was calculated as Indian Rs. 181.63 (similar to US$ 2.45), while the mean cost per animal per annum was Indian Rs. 2179.29 (similar to US$ 29.37). The maximum cost incurred in purchase of drugs (43.63%), followed by cost of discarded milk plus milk production loss (18.17%) and cost of veterinary services (17.03%). To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting economic impact of clinical mastitis in camel.