Epidemiology of subclinical mastitis in dromedary camels (camelus dromedarius) of two distinct agro-ecological zones of Pakistan

Abstract

The present study was accomplished to explore the epidemiological dynamics of subclinical mastitis, caused by Staphylococcus aureus, in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) reared in two distinct agro-ecological zones of Pakistan viz. Cholistan desert and Suleiman mountain range. A total of 768 lactating she-camels were screened for subclinical mastitis using California mastitis test (CMT). A preformed questionnaire was used to obtain data for the potential risk factors. Results showed an overall prevalence of 47.14% for subclinical mastitis. Statistical analysis revealed non-significant (P>0.05) difference between Cholistan desert and Suleiman mountain range (48.18% and 46.09%, respectively). S. aureus was isolated from 53.03% of the milk samples, with significantly higher (P<0.05) prevalence in Cholistan desert (66.10%) as compared to Suleiman range (57.98%). Blind quarter prevalence of S. aureus subclinical mastitis was 8.46% and 11.59% (P<0.05) in Cholistan desert and Suleiman range, respectively. The non-parametric statistical analysis showed significant association (P<0.05) of thin body condition, older age, lack of teat dipping and higher parity number with S. aureus subclinical mastitis. This study highlights the effect of agro-climatic conditions on S. aureus subclinical mastitis which is instrumental when devising strategies for effective disease control according to the climatic conditions of the area.