Articles Published March 15, 2026 Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026)

Prevalence of subclinical mastitis and associated risk factors in smallholder dairy herds

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Affiliation

  1. 1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Northfield University
  2. 2 Department of Clinical Studies, Riverside Veterinary School

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and identify herd- and cow-level risk factors in smallholder dairy farms.

Methods: A cross-sectional study sampled 612 lactating cows from 94 herds. Quarters were screened with the California mastitis test and positive samples were cultured.

Results: Cow-level SCM prevalence was 38.4% (95% CI 34.6–42.3). Parity ≥ 4, late lactation and the absence of post-milking teat dipping were associated with higher odds of SCM. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent isolate.

Conclusions: Simple hygiene interventions could substantially reduce SCM in smallholder systems.

Keywords

References

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