Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Mastitis in Borena Lowland Pastoral Area, Southwestern Ethiopia

Quarter-milk samples (n = 828) from 207 traditionally managed lactating camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Borena (Southwestern Ethiopia) were examined to determine the occurrence and bacterial causes of mastitis in the camel. The California mastitis test (CMT) was used as a screening test and bacteriological examinations were carried out to identify the mastitis pathogens involved. Somatic cell counts (SCC) of camel milk samples were also determined. Out of 828 camel quarters examined 25 (12.1%) teats were blind. An agreement of 100% was found for CMT scores of 3+ and 2+ and bacteriological results, while 35, 71 and 85% agreements were observed for CMT scores of 0, trace and 1+, respectively. A significant association was observed between CMT positive scores and the presence of major pathogens in camel milk samples. SCC ranged from 3 x 105 to 1.5 x 107 leukocytes/ml of milk. An increasing number in the mean values of somatic cell counts was obtained for increasing scores of CMT using ANOVA. Four (1.9%) of the lactating camels examined were detected as clinical cases of mastitis. Among the CMT positive quarter-milk samples examined, 171 (74%) yielded pathogenic bacteria. The major mastitis pathogens isolated included species of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Corynebacterium and Bacillus, and Actinomyces pyogenes, Escherichia coli and Pasteurella haemolytica.