Prevalence of Mastitis in Dairy Cattle in Bauchi State, North East Nigeria

This study determines the prevalence and causative bacteria of bovine mastitis in dairy cattle on smallholder farms in Bauchi State, located in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone. Mastitis is the most economically important disease of dairy cattle globally, causing reduced milk production, poor milk quality, treatment costs, and premature culling. Despite its importance, systematic prevalence data for bovine mastitis in Bauchi State are limited. Using a cross-sectional design, 180 lactating cows from 30 smallholder dairy farms across three local government areas were examined. Udder health was assessed using the California Mastitis Test (CMT) for subclinical mastitis, and clinical examination was performed for clinical cases. Milk samples from CMT-positive quarters were cultured bacteriologically. Risk factor data were collected through farmer interviews and direct farm observation. Findings revealed a cow-level mastitis prevalence of 44 percent (subclinical: 37%; clinical: 7%). Staphylococcus aureus (38% of isolates) and Streptococcus agalactiae (29%) were the predominant pathogens. Farms using machine milking, poor pre-milking teat preparation, and not practising post-milking teat dipping showed significantly higher mastitis prevalence. The study recommends farmer training on hygienic milking practices, routine CMT screening, post-milking teat dipping with iodine-based solutions, and strategic dry cow therapy as the priority mastitis control measures for Bauchi State dairy farmers. Keywords: mastitis, dairy cattle, Bauchi State, California Mastitis Test, Staphylococcus aureus.