Epidemiological investigation of mastitis in lactating buffalo cows in Nineveh governorate, Iraq

Abstract

The study's objective was to investigate the incidence and predisposing factors of mastitis in lactating buffalo cows in the Nineveh governorate. A total of 160 recently calved buffalo cows were followed up in a prospective study during the first three months of lactation. Cases of clinical mastitis (CM) were investigated, and milk was sampled to identify the increase in somatic cell count (SCC) as an indicator of subclinical mastitis (SCM). Several epidemiological factors that can predispose to mastitis were also investigated. The incidence of CM was 9.4%, mostly recorded during the first ten days (4 days on average). The average CM duration per case was 35 ± 4.9 days. Different changes and clinical findings were revealed in milk and affected udder. The incidence of SCM (i.e., SCC > 200,000 per mL) was 83.75%, mostly recorded during the first month of lactation. Furthermore, the odds of SCM were high in winter. The study concluded that the incidence of CM in buffalo cows is very low. The chronic form characterizes CM, SCM is more common than CM, and winter is a predisposing factor for the infection. Examination of several control measures of mastitis is important to improve the production and hygiene of buffalo milk in Nineveh governorate.