ABSTRACT
Background: Subclinical mastitis in camels, an inflammation of the udder without visible signs, can reduce milk quality and raise bacteria levels. Regular monitoring of camel milk is crucial for consumer safety. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Jigjiga city, Ethiopia to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of subclinical mastitis in she-camels. The study included 244 lactating she-camels from three privately-owned camel dairy farms, and a questionnaire survey was conducted with 60 camel owners. Results: The overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis in she-camels was 10.6% (26/244), with no significant difference among the studied dairy farms. Risk factors that influenced the result of California Mastitis Test (CMT) included age and udder and leg hygiene. The study revealed that S. aureus was the most prevalent bacterium among the isolated bacteria, with a prevalence rate of 34.5%. This was followed by S. agalactiae, S. dysgalactiae, and Pasteurella multocida, with prevalence rates of 29.8, 19.4, and 16.2%, respectively. Among the isolated bacteria, 84.5% were sensitive to Erythromycin, 60% to Streptomycin, 44.7% to Oxytetracycline, and 36.7% to Tetracycline. Interviews with camel owners revealed that 66.7% used mixed herd grazing methods and reported feed shortage. Treatment practices for sick camels included modern veterinary drugs, traditional medicines, or a combination of both. The owners of camel dairy farms did not maintain proper hygiene practices during milking, such as not using soap when washing hands. Conclusion: Addressing camel mastitis necessitates access to alternative drugs, comprehensive herder training, and enhanced management practices.
ABSTRACT
Ticks are a common parasite that affect many animals by causing slowed growth, reduced milk output, and financial losses for industries that depend on animal hides and skins. From June to December 2017, participatory and conventional investigations on tick infestation in camels and cattle were conducted in Kebribayah and Afdem districts of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and density of ticks in these animals and establish strategic control measures to enhance livestock productivity and livelihoods in pastoral areas. The current study found that the prevalence of tick infestation in Kebribayah and Afdem districts was 83.3% and 86.8%, respectively. Rhipicephalus pulchellus (48.9%) was identified as the most common tick species in camels and cattle, followed by Amblyomma gemma (26.3%), Hyalomma truncatum (11.6%), Amblyomma lepidum (6.7%), and Amblyomma variegatum (6.5%). Among the variables considered, age and body condition score were significant risk factors (p < 0.001). Tick density varied depending on the recorded months and seasons (p < 0.001), with the highest mean tick density occurring in November (32.69 ± 21.750) and during the wet season (28.56 ± 19.750). Livestock owners in Kebribayah and Afdem ranked topical acaricide application as the most effective tick control method, followed by ivermectin injections, with the traditional hand removal method being the least effective. These rankings were consistent across both districts, and there was moderate agreement among livestock keepers from both regions regarding the best method. Afdem livestock keepers had slightly weak agreement on high tick burden in spring (W = 0.475, p = 0.127), and Kebribayah livestock keepers showed slightly strong agreement in tick burden across seasons (W = 0.700, p = 0.038), with spring having a significantly higher burden than winter. Consequently, participatory appraisal indicated that ticks were important and prevalent ectoparasites in the study area. Finally, strategic tick control appropriate for specific management and production environments should be implemented biannually in wet seasons.
