Prevalence of subclinical mastitis and isolated udder pathogens in dairy cows in Southern Vietnam

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of subclinical mastitis and to identify udder pathogens isolated from smallholder dairy herds in Southern Vietnam. The mean herd somatic cell count was 632 x 103 cells/mL milk. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis at the quarter level was 63.2 % and 88.6 % at the cow level. Only 40 % of all cows were bacteriologically negative in all quarters. Streptococcus agalactiae was the most commonly found bacterial species, isolated from 96 of the 458 quarter samples, and on 13 of the 20 farms. The results indicate pronounced subclinical mastitis problems among the dairy cows in this region due mainly to infections with Streptococcus agalactiae. The high prevalence of this highly contagious pathogen is probably attributable to the generally poor milking hygiene and low awareness of proper measures to prevent the occurrence and spread of udder infections. A strict, targeted action program for the herds in this area is required in order to lower the prevalence of subclinical mastitis.
Source: Ostensson et al. – Tropical Animal Health and Production, 45, 979-986, 2013
Complete abstract: www.m²-magazine/org > 037- 25.06.2013