Investigation of Presence and Types of Mastitis Causing Organisms from Dairy Cows and Farm Environments in Taraba State Nigeria

Ardo; B A.; Jatutu S.S.; Mafindi; U.M.; Barje; P.P.; Aliyara; Y.H.; Sani; U.M.

doi:10.56201/ijaes.vol.12.no8.2026.pg142.149

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Investigation of Presence and Types of Mastitis Causing Organisms from Dairy Cows and Farm Environments in Taraba State Nigeria

Ardo, B A., Jatutu S.S., Mafindi, U.M., Barje, P.P., Aliyara, Y.H. and, Sani, U.M.

Abstract

This study investigated the presence, types, and distribution of mastitis-causing organisms in dairy cows and farm environments across Taraba State, Nigeria, with emphasis on evaluating the efficacy of different udder preparation protocols and identifying geographic variation in pathogen prevalence. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four Local Government Areas (Ardo Kola, Jalingo, Bali, and Gassol) of Taraba State. Swab samples were collected from udder surfaces under three conditions: unwashed, washed with water only, and disinfected with baby wipes, alongside composite bedding/soil samples. Bacterial isolation and identification were performed using standard microbiological techniques including selective media, Gram staining, and biochemical tests following Cowan and Steel's Manual. Bacterial growth rates varied significantly across locations, ranging from 41.67% (±49.92) in Bali to 61.11% (±49.44) in Gassol. Unwashed teats exhibited 66.67% (±47.71) bacterial growth, statistically equivalent to bedding/soil contamination (69.44% ±46.72). Water washing alone achieved minimal reduction (61.11% ±49.44), whereas disinfection dramatically reduced contamination to 5.56% (±23.23) a 91.7% relative reduction. Salmonella sp. predominated (21 isolates, 25.3%), followed by Staphylococcus sp. (18 isolates, 21.7%), Streptococcus sp. (13 isolates, 15.7%), E. coli (10 isolates, 12.0%), and Klebsiella sp. (7 isolates, 8.4%). Geographic clustering was evident: Gassol showed highest Staphylococcus prevalence (61.1% of all isolates), while Ardo Kola and Bali harbored predominant Salmonella and Klebsiella. These findings establish critical baseline data for mastitis control in Nigerian pastoral systems and underscore the urgent need for integrated interventions addressing both udder hygiene and environmental management to safeguard animal health and public health in regions with high raw milk consumption.

Keywords

MastitisUdderBeddingsDairy cowsIdentification

References

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Investigation of Presence and Types of Mastitis Causing Organisms from Dairy Cows and Farm Environments in Taraba State Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

References

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