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