Impacto econômico e aspectos epidemiológicos da mastite e artrite encefalite caprina na região semiárida do Nordeste Brasileiro

Bruna Crislane Da Silva Souza,João Ricardo Ferreira De Lima,Daniel Maia Noguiera,Renata De Moraes Peixoto Araújo,Rodolfo De Moraes Peixoto,Mateus Matiuzzi Da Costa

doi:10.21708/avb.2021.15.4.10025

Abstract

Dairy activity in the semi-arid region has gained prominence due to its profit potential; however, there are still sanitary problems that result in significant economic impact. Thus, this study aimed to assess the economic impact and to conduct an epidemiological study of caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) and subclinical mastitis in dairy goat herds of the semi-arid northeastern region of Brazil. The study proceeded with the collection of blood (n = 351) and milk samples (n = 321) from 15 rural properties with up to 50 animals, risk factor assessment, economic profile analysis, and georeferencing of the properties. The blood serum obtained was subjected to the AGID test. The milk samples were cultured on blood agar, and the reading was performed 24 hours after incubation. Overall, 3.4% of the animals were seropositive for CAE, and 15.8% were diagnosed with subclinical mastitis. 71.95% of the positive animals belonged to properties with a semi-intensive rearing system, weekly cleaning of the facilities, and no pre- or post-dipping. Subclinical mastitis caused by the main agent Staphylococcus spp. was associated with the breed type of the animals, highlighting two risk factors: purebred animals (OR = 12.52) and the milking performed close the soil (OR = 18.07). A reduction of up to 35.34% was observed in the income of dairy properties, constituting a considerable economic impact. Due to these sanitary problems, the economic impact demonstrates the need for a sanitary management program focused on these infirmities.

Highlights

The states of Bahia and Pernambuco are the largest goat producers in Brazil, totaling 9 million heads (IBGE, 2017)
Caprine Arthritis-Encephalitis (CAE) and mastitis are among the main sanitary problems affecting dairy goat herds
The presence of subclinical mastitis was observed in 15.8% (51/321) of the properties using a milk culture technique in which the Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus spp. bacteria were obtained from goat milk samples (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

The states of Bahia and Pernambuco are the largest goat producers in Brazil, totaling 9 million heads (IBGE, 2017). The main clinical signs of CAE are arthritis characterized by enlarged carpus, leading to locomotion problems in animals, severe mastitis with mammary gland nodules, and purulent pneumonia (PENIDO et al, 2017) Mastitis, another relevant illness, is characterized by a multifactorial infection responsible for significant losses due to its control and treatment expenses. Another relevant illness, is characterized by a multifactorial infection responsible for significant losses due to its control and treatment expenses This disease affects dairy goat and sheep herds as an inflammation of the mammary gland, with the intensity of the disease being determined by the nature and virulence factors of bacteria or groups of bacteria, the resistance of the agent to antibiotics, and other host-related factors (GABLI et al, 2019). The most common pathogens related to intramammary infections in small ruminants that can cause clinical and subclinical mastitis are those of the genus Staphylococcus (OLECHNOWICZ; JAŚKOWSKI, 2014)

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Results