Prevalence and risk factors associated with subclinical mastitis in peri-urban bovine dairy farms of Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Abstract

Subclinical mastitis is an insidious infection of the mammary gland that results in an inflammation of one or more quarters of the udder, generally due to a bacterial infection, a physiological disorder, or local trauma. They have a negative impact on dairy cow production. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of subclinical mastitis in peri-urban farms in Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso). In total, 305 lactating cows, including 150 from the peri-urban area of Ouagadougou and 155 from Bobo Dioulasso, were tested using the California Mastitis Test. Also, a questionnaire survey has been carried out to collect data about farm management and selected animals. The overall prevalence was 42.9%, with 45.3% and 40.6%, respectively, in farms in the peri-urban area of Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso. The biostatistical analysis identified the breed, former cases of mastitis on the farm, and diarrhea as risk factors associated with subclinical mastitis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates evidence of mastitis in peri-urban farms in Burkina Faso. Further investigations are needed to identify pathogens associated with these infections to select better control actions.