Introduction
Subclinical mastitis remains one of the most challenging and economically significant diseases affecting dairy herds worldwide, primarily due to its silent progression and detrimental impact on milk quality and reproductive performance. In the Upper Cheliff Region of Northern Algeria, this condition is increasingly recognized as a major factor limiting dairy productivity, prompting the need for detailed epidemiological and microbiological investigations. The present study evaluates the prevalence of subclinical mastitis among dairy cows, identifies the dominant bacterial pathogens involved, and assesses their antimicrobial resistance patterns. Through advanced diagnostic tools, including the California Mastitis Test, MALDI-TOF MS, and antimicrobial susceptibility assays, this research highlights the burden of infection and its direct consequences on milk yield and reproductive outcomes. Understanding these elements is essential for designing effective prevention and management strategies to safeguard animal health and enhance farm profitability.
Prevalence and Epidemiology of Subclinical Mastitis in Dairy Cows
The epidemiological profile of subclinical mastitis in the Upper Cheliff Region demonstrates a high burden of infection, with a cow-level prevalence of 58.9% and quarter-level prevalence of 31.1%. These figures indicate the widespread yet often undetected nature of the disease, which poses substantial threats to herd performance. The study reveals significant risk factors associated with the occurrence of subclinical mastitis, including cow parity, reduced milk production below 12 liters per day, poor hygiene conditions, and a history of previous mastitis episodes. These findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and barn-level management to detect early signs and reduce pathogen spread.
Bacteriological Profile and Pathogen Distribution
The characterization of bacterial isolates demonstrates that Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis are the predominant pathogens contributing to subclinical mastitis in the region, together accounting for nearly half of all isolates. Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS), Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were also detected at varying frequencies, showcasing the polymicrobial nature of the infection. The use of MALDI-TOF MS provided high-accuracy identification, allowing for a deeper understanding of the pathogen ecology within dairy herds. Such insights are crucial for tailoring mastitis prevention programs that target specific bacterial groups known for their persistence and pathogenicity.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Public Health Concerns
The antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed both reassuring and alarming trends. While most isolates showed low resistance rates to commonly used veterinary and human antimicrobials, certain pathogens displayed concerning resistance patterns. Coagulase-negative staphylococci exhibited notable methicillin resistance (22.2%), and elevated resistance against fosfomycin (37.8%) and tetracycline (31.1%). Escherichia coli isolates showed substantial resistance to piperacillin and ciprofloxacin. Although all Staphylococcus aureus isolates were methicillin-sensitive, the presence of resistant strains in other species raises concerns about therapeutic failures and the potential spread of antimicrobial resistance within and beyond the veterinary sector.
Impact of Subclinical Mastitis on Reproductive Performance
Beyond milk production losses, the study highlights significant negative effects of subclinical mastitis on reproductive efficiency. Infected cows exhibited prolonged calving-to-first-service intervals, averaging 130 days compared to 102.7 days in healthy cows. They also required more services per conception and experienced nearly half the pregnancy rate at first service. These impairments reflect the systemic influence of intramammary infections on metabolic and hormonal pathways, ultimately affecting fertility. Farms with high mastitis prevalence therefore face compounded economic losses, emphasizing the necessity of integrated herd health management.
Management Strategies and Recommendations for Dairy Farms
Effective control of subclinical mastitis requires a multifaceted management approach addressing hygiene practices, early diagnosis, targeted treatment, and routine monitoring of antimicrobial resistance trends. Improving barn cleanliness, implementing regular CMT screening, and adopting pathogen-directed therapy can significantly reduce infection loads. Educating farmers about risk factors and promoting prudent antibiotic use are equally critical to prevent resistance escalation. The study’s findings provide essential evidence for guiding veterinary practitioners and farm managers in formulating sustainable control strategies that enhance productivity and ensure milk safety.
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Hashtags
#mastitisresearch, #subclinicalmastitis, #dairycowhealth, #bacterialinfection, #antimicrobialresistance, #dairymicrobiology, #milkquality, #enterococcus, #staphylococci, #ecoli, #veterinaryscience, #animalhealth, #dairyfarming, #reproductiveperformance, #milkproductionloss, #MALDITOF, #veterinaryepidemiology, #cowmanagement, #dairyherdhealth, #UpperCheliffRegion,
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