Prevalence, aetiology and risk factors of subclinical mastitis in goats in Bangladesh

Goat production in Bangladesh has increased substantially during the last decades due to increasing demand for meat and milk. This growth in goat production is, however, reduced by different diseases, among which mastitis has significant adverse effect on milk production and milk quality and is associated with financial losses. Risk factors and aetiology of goat mastitis in Bangladesh are largely unknown, hampering the effective control of the disease. The current study was therefore undertaken to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) in goats, describe the pathogens causing SCM and identify risk factors. One hundred and six goats from 88 household goat farms were included in the study. The estimated udder half level prevalence of SCM, based on the California Mastitis Test, was 50.9 % (95 % CI: 44.2-57.7 %). The most prevalent group of pathogens associated with SCM was non-aureus Staphylococcus species (NAS) and S. aureus. Our study depicted the odds of SCM to be significantly higher in poor and fair body conditioned compared to cachectic goats, goats in late lactation, Jamnapari breed and in goats with bottle shaped teats rather than conical or cylindrical teat shapes. This study shows that SCM in goats in Bangladesh is highly prevalent and suggests the importance of breeding for mastitis resistance, by selecting stronger breeds and goats with good udder or teat conformation.