Epidemiology of Bovine Mastitis, Antimicrobial Resistance and Management Practices on Small-Holder Dairy Farms in Moiben and Kapseret Sub-Counties - Uasin-Gishu, Kenya

Abstract

Mastitis is multi-etiologic disease characterized by the swelling of the udder and inflammation of the udder tissues of dairy animals globally. The following prevalence of the disease was reported worldwide; in United States of America at 67.9%, in China, at 53.8%, in Ethiopia at 62.6% and in Kenya at 58.7%. Food security and nutrition are key components of the economic priorities of the Kenya Government. Milk and its products formed significant components of human food chain. However, mastitis infection of dairy cows posed a major threat to this source of livelihood. This study therefore endeavored to inform and influence policy direction on mitigating the above adverse effects of mastitis. The study aimed to identify the determinants of bovine mastitis, antimicrobial resistance and management practices on small-holder dairy farms in Uasin-Gishu, with specific objectives to n determining the incidence of mastitis, its microbial profiles, determine susceptibility of mastitis causing pathogens against antimicrobial agents, determine presence of antimicrobial drug residues in raw milk and determine dairy cow characteristics and management practices. To achieve these specific objectives, a prospective cohort study using multi-stage sampling at administrative Ward level was conducted between January and October, 2021. Mastitis free dairy cows which were not on antimicrobial therapy seven days prior to commencement of the study were recruited. Study respondents were mainly males (63.0%,), with regard to marital status more than 95.1% of the were married and 42.0% had at least tertiary level of educationon. A sample size of (n=216) lactating cows on 81 farms were randomly selected and studied. The Principal Investigator obtained ethical approval from Masinde Muliro University and NACOSTI before commencing the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to give results as follows. The overall mastitis incidence in study area was (48.2%). Staphylococcus species were found to be most predominant micro-organisms occurring at (30.6%) followed by Escherichia coli at (5.1%). High cumulative antimicrobial resistance was demonstrated against ampicillin (81.7%) while low resistance was shown against Kanamycin (33.7%) and Gentamycin (5.8%) (P<0.05). The occurrence of Antimicrobial Residue was (6.9%) with Penicillin, Tetracycline and Streptomycin determined above safe Maximum Residue Levels. Management practices revealed that high mastitis infection was reported on intensive farming system at (71.9%) than (58.3%) on extensive farming system. Mastitis was high among farmers who did not take samples to laboratory (71.9%) compared to (52.9%) who utilized laboratory services. Those farmers who disinfected cow premises experienced less infection of mastitis at (50.0%) while there was no significant difference in infection between milking with hand (67.6%) and machine (70.0%) respectively. Mastitis infection on the basis of cattle breed indicated decreasing occurrence of (58.6%) for Friesian, followed by (29.8%) for Ayrshire and crossbreeds at (9.6%) (P<0.05). Primiparous cows were less vulnerable at (15.4%) than multiparous-2 at (24.0%) and multiparous-3 at (39.4%) (P<0.05). Staphylococcal-mastitis was a major burden, consequently, intervention strategies by way of rational treatment regimens should be put in place targeting predominant Staphylococcal species. Kanamycin and Gentamycin were found to be more efficacious and hence antimicrobials of choice (P<0.05). Strict observation of withdrawal period before using raw milk for human consumption is recommended to reduce adverse effects of antimicrobial Drug residue. Primiparous Ayrshire and crossbreed cows demonstrated low vulnerability against mastitis and are recommended breeds (P<0.05).