Prevalence and risk factors of camel (Camelus dromedarius) mastitis based on bacteriological examinations in selected regions of Ethiopia

A total of 956 quarter milk samples from 253 traditionally managed lactating camels were collected aseptically from Negele (Borena Region), Dire Dawa and Gewane (Afar Region). The multi-stage sampling was used. The samples were examined using standard microbiological techniques. Relatively, high (46.2%) prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis was recorded from the milk samples in Dire Dawa followed by 45.4% in Gewane (Afar Region) and 37.1% in Negele (Borena Region). Clinical mastitis was observed only in 1.1% in Negele (Borena Region). Five hundred and seventy one (59.73%) quarter milk samples had microorganism. Out of 571 isolates, 428 (75.00%) were of the major pathogens (MAP) and 143 (25.00%) were minor pathogens (MIP). The common pathogens isolated from sub-clinical mastitis were S. aureus and E. coli while from clinical cases were S. aureus, S. hyicus, Streptococcus uberis, Bacillus cereus, E. coli and S. epidermidis.