Research Article

Association of Udder Lesions with Subclinical Mastitis in Dairy Cows of Chattogram, Bangladesh

Md. Sanjid Hasan1, A K M Humayun Kober1, Eaftekhar Ahmed Rana2, Md Saiful Bari1,3,4*

1Department of Dairy and Poultry Science, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh; 2Department of Microbiology and Veterinary Public Health, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh; 3School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia; 4Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, New South Wales 2350, Australia.

Received | July 29, 2021; Accepted | September 04, 2021; Published | January 04, 2022

*Correspondence | Md Saiful Bari, Department of Dairy and Poultry Science, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh; Email: [email protected]

Citation | Hasan MS, Kober AKMH, Rana EA, Bari MS (2022). Association of udder lesions with subclinical mastitis in dairy cows of Chattogram, Bangladesh. Adv. Anim. Vet. Sci. 10(2): 226-235.

DOI | http://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.aavs/2022/10.2.226.235

ISSN (Online) | 2307-8316

 

INTRODUCTION

Mastitis is recognized as one of the most important diseases of dairy cows causing huge economic and production losses to the dairy industry worldwide including Bangladesh. It is an inflammatory condition of the mammary gland characterized by an increased number of somatic cells in the milk and pathological changes in the mammary tissues (Gianneechini et al.,, 2002), which results in physical, chemical and microbiological changes in milk (Seegers et al., 2003). Clinical mastitis is readily visible and easily detected by abnormalities in milk, pathological changes in the udder along with clinical signs (Bari et al., 2014). But in subclinical mastitis, there are no visible changes in milk, udder or general condition except high somatic cell count (SCC) (Sumon et al., 2020).

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is highly prevalent in both commercial and household dairy farms in Bangladesh. The prevalence of SCM is recorded from 20% to 44% based on California Mastitis Test (CMT) at cow level (Rahman et al., 2009; Islam et al., 2010; Rabbani and Samad, 2010). Subclinical mastitis causes heavy economic losses due to reduced milk production, deteriorating milk quality and decreasing milk price due to high bacterial or somatic cell count (Harmon 1994; Singh and Baxi 1994). It also causes increase costs of drugs, veterinary services, herd replacement and problems related to antibiotics residues in milk and its products. In Bangladesh, the annual economic losses due to reduced milk production by SCM have been estimated to be Taka 122.6 (US $ 2.11) million (Kader et al., 2003). Singh and Baxi (1994) reported that SCM results in three times more losses as compared to clinical mastitis (CM).

Literature suggested that about 137 biological infectious agents have been causing bovine mastitis. Among infectious agents, bacteria are considered to be the major cause of subclinical mastitis in cattle and other species (El-Rashidy et al., 1996). The most common pathogens responsible for subclinical mastitis include Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp. and Coliforms. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae act as contagious pathogens while E. coli, Streptococcus uberis, and Streptococcus dysgalactiae act as environmental pathogens (Radostits et al., 2000; Waller et al., 2009).

The invisible changes in subclinical mastitis can be recognized by several diagnostic methods including the California Mastitis test (CMT), Modified White Side test (MWT), Somatic Cell count (SCC), pH, chlorine and catalase tests. These tests were preferred to be screening tests for subclinical mastitis as they can be used easily and yield rapid as well as satisfying results (Leslie et al., 2002). Among these, CMT is more common in Banladesh, more reliable than MWT, and less expensive than SCC.

Bangladesh has a high number of cattle population 239.35 lakh with about 92.83 lakh metric ton milk production (BBS, 2017). Udder health disorder causes devastating economic loss and a major influence on dairy cows welfare and productivity (Halasa et al., 2007; Hogeveen et al., 2011). Milk quantity, quality and production efficiency of cows is directly dependent on the udder health (Szencziova et al., 2013). The udder is the most important part of the body of the dairy cow and its morphological and physiological characteristics affect the health of cows and play a vital role in sustainable milk production (Gulyas and Ivancsics, 2002; Tilki et al., 2005; Tancin et al., 2007). It is also recognized that the udder characteristics are very important in respect to milk production as well as for causing mammary infection (Shukla et al., 1997). The physical appearance of the udder and teats are important traits associated with the incidences of subclinical mastitis (Sabin George et al., 2007). The udder is very susceptible to infection and injuries, which results in subclinical mastitis. The morphology of the teat, especially the apex and streak canal are recognized as parts of the passive defence mechanisms against subclinical mastitis infection (Shukla et al., 1997).

Injuries in the udder and teat have been hastening the entry of infectious microorganisms into the udder and cause subclinical mastitis (Islam et al., 2010). Cows with asymmetric udders are more susceptible to injuries and contamination by SCM causing pathogens, which increase the risk of SCM. Therefore, the udder conformation traits can be used to take measures for improving udder health (Nakov et al., 2014). Few studies have revealed that udder and teat lesions act as risk factors for Intra-mammary infection (IMI) (Bhutto et al., 2010). Udder hygiene is also significantly associated with the risk of IMI in cows (Compton et al., 2007). Udder lesions are usually caused by subclinical mastitis pathogens especially Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus sp., which increases the chance of injury of the udder. Consequently, the exposure of pathogens to udders increases from the cows’ environment. Many risk factors predispose to the high prevalence of SCM in dairy cows of both commercial and household dairy farms. These include host, microbial agents and environmental risk factors. Udder lesions are one of the most important host risk factors that could aggravate the prevalence of the SCM in dairy cows (Francis, 1984).

Moreover, it is important to investigate the relationship of udder and teat lesions with the occurrence of subclinical mastitis with causative agents. Studies on mastitis focusing morphological relationship of udder and teats with mastitis (Ahmed et al., 2005) have been carried out in Bangladesh. However, to the best of our knowledge very few studies have been performed to find out the association of udder lesions with the occurrence of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows of Chattogram, Bangladesh.

Therefore, the study was conducted to reveal the association of udder and teat lesions with the occurrence of SCM in dairy cows. We also estimated the prevalence of udder lesions and SCM with their causal agents and associated risk factors in dairy cows of Chattogram, Bangladesh.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study area and study population

Chattogram district has a total area of 168.1 square kilometres, located in between 21°54’ and 22°59’ north latitudes and in between 91°17’ and 92°13’ east longitudes on the banks of the Karnaphuli River. Chattogram Metropolitan Area (CMA) and Patiya upazila were selected for the study. Randomly selected 50 Commercial and household dairy farms of CMA and Patiya Upazila were selected for collecting milk and swab samples. Stratified random sampling methods were applied categorizing the farms into Type A containg ≥ 50 cows, Type B containing 26 – 49 cows, and Type C 3- 25 cows. The farm categories are given by the Directorate of Livestock Services (DLS), Bangladesh.

Study design

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the association of udder lesions with subclinical mastitis in dairy cows of Chattogram, Bangladesh. The study was conducted during the period from December 2017 to May 2018. Randomly selected lactating cows in 50 commercial and household dairy farms of CMA and Patiya Upazila were the target population.

Data collection

A validated structured questionnaire was developed and all information relating to the objectives of the study were recorded. The collected data includes the type of housing, management, breed, age, milking system, mastitis related record, and udder or teat abnormalities (alopecia, dermatitis, traumatic, wound, cleft etc.). Data were collected by face to face interviews of the farm owners or the worker of the farms. Sample and data collection were done simultaneously during the study periods.

Inspection of udder

The udder of the cows of selected farms was examined through visual inspection and palpation to detect possible lesions like skin abrasions, hair loss, fibrosis, consistency of mammary quarters, swelling of supra-mammary lymph nodes, dermatitis, traumatic, udder cleft, open wound etc.

Selected herds were carefully observed to find out the udder lesions in the lactating cows. Cows under examination were scored based on the magnitude of udder lesions. The following criteria were used for scoring based on the ventral abdomen observation. A total of 6 categories were selected: - Grade 0 = No trace of udder lesions; Grade 1 = Discoloration or moist appearance; Grade 2 = Hair loss or skin abrasion; Grade 3 = Closed skin crusts or Papillomatosis; Grade 4 = Open wound, no skin; and Grade 5 = Open wound and bloody, serous, or Purulent exudates (Warnick et al., 2002). During observation, the lesions were photographed and kept stored for further clarification of scoring.

Detection of subclinical mastitis

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) was detected based on California Mastitis Test (CMT) results through the nature of coagulation and viscosity of the mixture of milk and CMT reagent, which showed the presence and severity of the subclinical mastitis. The techniques used for CMT are described by Pyorala (2003). Equal quantity (Approx. 3 mL) of milk and CMT reagent was added into a white plastic paddle with 4 shallow cups marked A, B, C, D and the paddle was rotated in a circular motion to mix the content thoroughly for about 10 seconds. The result of the test was indicated based on gel formation. The reactions were observed and noted. The results were interpreted as the criteria described in Table 1.

 

Table 1: Criteria for scoring of CMT test results

Category	Description
N = Negative	No infection, No thickening of the mixture
T= Trace	Possible infection, Slight thickening of the mixture, Thickening disappear on continued rotation
1= Weak positive	Infected, Distinct thickening of the mixture, No gel formation
2= Distinct positive	Infected, Immediate thickening of the mixture, Slight gel formation
3= Strong positive	Infected, Gel formation, Surface of the mixture becomes elevated

 

Collection and transportation of milk and swab samples

Swab samples collected from udder or teat lesions and California Mastitis Test (CMT) positive milk samples were sampled in this study. Five mL of milk samples per quarter (CMT positive) were collected aseptically in the 15 mL sterile falcon tube with an identification number. Before sample collection, grossly dirty teats and udders were thoroughly cleaned and dried. Then udder or teat abnormalities were examined. If any udder or teat lesions were present, swab samples were collected aseptically in 5 mL sterile nutrient broth containing test tube with an identification number. The collection vial was held at 45⸰ angle to prevent accidentally falling of debris in the collection vial. An individual swab was used for each udder or teat lesion even within the same cows where multiple swabs were taken from different lesions in the same cow. Then all collected samples were immediately transported using an insulated ice box and stored at -20℃ before further bacteriological analysis.

Isolation and identification of bacteria

The techniques used for the isolation and identification of bacteria from collected milk and swab samples were based on the morphological, cultural, colony characteristics, Gram’s staining, and biochemical properties including hemolytic activity, catalase test and tube coagulase tests as described by Wilson and Miles (1974). Aso, The techniques used for the preparation of different agar media are described by Hayes (2013).

Staphylococcus aureus grows as large grey or white to yellow colored colonies with beta-hemolytic patterns on blood agar. S. aureus produced small to large yellow zones with color change in MSA but other Staphylococci produced small to large red zones in MSA. Staphylococci were identified based on gram staining, hemolytic activity and the following biochemical reactions: Catalase activity, Tube Coagulase Test (Roberson et al., 1992; Quinn et al., 1994).

Statistical analysis

The surveyed data, laboratory data and the field data were entered properly in the Microsoft office excel worksheet 2013. Then all the data were carefully checked and analyzed through STATA-11 (STATA Corp, USA). Descriptive analysis was performed using percentages (%) for all farm-related variables. A Chi-square test was done for determining the associated risk factors of udder lesions with subclinical mastitis. The level of significance was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

In this study, two categories of farms were selected. Type B category farms comprising of 26-50 cows, were only 6% of the total farms under study. Type C category farms (03-25 cows) in majority consisting 94% of the total farms under study (Table 2). Most of the farms under study had a concrete floor for their cows but almost 50% of farms used bedding materials. Around 94% of farms had no quarantine and isolation shed facility for their cows during disease or emergency conditions (Table 2). On the other hand, maximum farms had adequate drainage facility for the cleanliness of the farms and in 94 % farms, milking the affected animal last were done. Around 42% of farms have no case clinical mastitis cows during the study but 40% of farms have one clinical mastitis case at present. Atmost all the farms were used different categories of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic and others drugs. An enormous number of farms were not practising the dry cow therapy and vaccination against mastitis for their cows and 80% of farms getting veterinary services (Table 2) under study. 94% of farms had udder lesions from the total numbers of farms and most of the lesions were present either udder or teat of the lactating cows, only 22% of farms, where the lesions were present on both udder and teat (Table 3). No lesions were found in 66% of farms, single and multiple numbers of udder lesions were found in 30% and 4% farms, respectively in dairy cows in the study area (Table 3).

 

Table 2: Summary of basic parameters of dairy farms of Chattogram

Variables	Category	Frequency	%
Farm type	B (26 - 50)	3	6
	C (3 - 25)	47	94
Floor type	Concrete	44	88
	Bricks	6	12
Bedding	Used	25	50
	Not used	25	50
Quarantine	Yes	3	6
	No	47	94
Isolation shed	Yes	3	6
	No	47	94
Proper drainage	Yes	47	94
	No	3	6
Veterinary service	Yes	43	86
	No	7	14
Drugs used to treat mastitis last time	Antibiotic	26	52
	Anti-inflammatory	21	42
	Antihistaminic	3	6
Vaccination	Yes	12	24
	No	38	76
Milk production of SCM affected cows	3 kg	2	4
	4 kg	17	34
	5 kg	14	28
	6 kg	11	22
	7 kg	3	6
	8 kg	3	6

 

Association of risk factors with udder lesions in dairy cows

Lactating cows of Type-C farms were more prone to have udder lesions than the Type-B farms lactating cows. The variation of having udder lesions between the two types of farms was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) (Table 4). Cows reared on concrete type floors were more prone to udder lesions than the cows housed on bricks type floors. This variation was also statistically significant. Farms that were not used in bedding materials had more prone to udder lesions. Farms that had no quarantine and isolation shed facility had more susceptible to the udder lesions and the variation was also statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) (Table 4).

The farms which had adequate drainage facilities and practiced milking the affected cows last were also more affected

 

Table 3: Summary of udder lesions related parameters of dairy farms of Chattogram

Variables	Category	Frequency	%
Mastitis affected cows milked last	Yes	47	94
	No	3	6
Current clinical mastitis case	0 cow	21	42
	1 cow	20	40
	2 cow	9	18
Clinical mastitis last 6 months	0 cow	12	24
	1 cow	29	58
	2 cow	9	18
Dry cow therapy	Yes	15	30
	No	35	70
Udder or teat lesions	Yes	47	94
	No	3	6
Location of lesions (positive cases)	Udder or teat	39	78
	Both	11	22

 

Table 4: Overall association of risk factors with udder lesions

Variables	Category	Udder lesions, N (%)		P
		Yes	No
Farm type	B (26 - 50)	0	3 (100.0)	0.013
	C (3 - 25)	33 (66.7)	17 (33.3)
Floor type	Concrete	33 (75.0)	11 (25.0)	0.001
	Bricks	0	6 (100)
Bedding	Used	16 (64.0)	9 (36.0)	0.77
	Not used	18 (72.0)	7 (27.0)
Quarantine	Yes	0	3 (100.0)	0.01
	No	33 (70.2)	14 (29.8)
Isolation shed	Yes	0	3 (100.0)	0.01
	No	33 (70.2)	14 (29.8)
Proper drainage	Yes	33 (70.2)	14 (29.8)	0.01
	No	0	3 (100.0)
Milk infected cows last	Yes	30 (63.8)	17 (36.2)	0.20
	No	3 (100.0)	0
Current clinical mastitis case	0 cow	16 (76.2)	5 (23.8)	0.07
	1 cow	14 (70.0)	6 (30.0)
	2 cow	3 (33.3)	6 (66.7)
Drugs used to treat mastitis last time	Antibiotic	20 (76.9)	6 (23.1)	0.03
	Anti-inflammatory	13 (61.9)	8 (38.1)
	Antihistaminic	0	3 (100.0)
Dry cow therapy	Yes	9 (60.0)	6 (40.0)	0.56
	No	24 (68.6)	11(32.4)
Vaccination	Yes	9 (75.0)	3 (25.0)	0.45
	No	24 (63.2)	14 (36.8)
Cull due to mastitis	Yes	3 (50.0)	3 (50.0)	0.38
	No	14 (31.8)	30 (68.2)

 

by the udder lesions. Farms under study which had no or one clinical mastitis cow at present had more udder lesions than the farms which had two clinical mastitis cows. Farms that were not practised dry cow therapy and vaccination against mastitis had more udder lesions than the farms which practised dry cow therapy and used vaccination against mastitis. This variation was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) (Table 4). The farms which didn’t cull the cows due to mastitis is more udder lesions than the farms which culled the mastitis affected cows.

Prevalence and scoring of subclinical mastitis and udder lesions

A total of 445 lactating cows were examined; out of which 253 (56.8%) cows were affected with subclinical mastitis (SCM) based on the CMT and 143 cows out of 445 cows affected by udder or teat lesions (32.1%). The prevalence of subclinical mastitis and udder lesions has been shown in (Table 5).

 

Table 5: Overall prevalence and scoring of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and udder lesions

Parameters	Udder lesions, N (%)	SCM, N (%)
No. of dairy cows	445 (100)	445 (100)
No. of affected cows	143 (32.1)	253 (56.9)
No. of non-affected cows	302 (67.9)	192 (43.1)
Grade 1	17 (11.8)	105 (41.5)
Grade 2	38 (26.6)	98 (38.7)
Grade 3	38 (26.6)	50 (19.8)
Grade 4	32 (22.4)	-
Grade 5	18 (12.6)	-

 

Grade 2 and 3 scorings (26.6%) udder lesions were found in a higher prevalence rate under study. We found Grade 2 and Grade 3 scoring udder lesions was more prominent than the other grades, and Grade 1 scoring (11.8%) udder lesions is the lowest percentage in the study area. On the other hand Grade 1 CMT scoring is found highest percentage (42.7%) and Grade 3 CMT scoring found the lowest percentage 18.6% (Table 5) under the study area. There was a variation of CMT and udder scores in different individual lactating cows in dairy herds.

Causal agents identified from subclinical mastitis and udder lesions

264 CMT positive milk samples from subclinical mastitis (SCM) affected cows, 155 swab samples from different grade udder lesions were collected and cultured for microbiological examination. From all the cultured samples different bacterial species were isolated (Table 6). Out of 264 milk samples, the predominant isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus spp., with an isolation rate of 186 (70.5%) and other dominant bacteria isolated were Streptococcus sp. 146 (55.3%), E. 20 (7.6%), Bacillus sp. 62 (23.5%), respectively. From 155 swab samples, the predominant isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus sp., with an isolation rate of 120 (77.4%) followed by Streptococcus sp. 112 (72.3%) E. 110 (71.0%), and Bacillus sp. 47 (30.3%). E.coli found the lowest percentage (7.6%) in milk samples but Bacillus sp. identified the lowest percentage (30.3%) in collected swab samples (Table 6). We did a tube coagulase test for 100 milk and 100 swab samples and found 26% Staphylococcus aureus positive in collected milk samples and 17% Staphylococcus aureus positive results in case of collected swab samples.

 

Table 6: Causal agents identified from subclinical mastitis (SCM) and udder lesions

Causal agents	Milk samples (SCM) N=264		Swab samples (Udder lesions)N=155
	+Ve, N(%)	+Ve, N(%)	-Ve, N(%)	-Ve, N(%)
Staphylococcus sp.	186 (70.5)	78 (29.5)	120 (77.4)	35 (22.6)
Streptococcus sp.	146 (55.3)	118 (44.7)	112 (72.3)	34 (27.8)
E. coli	20 (7.6)	244 (92.4)	110 (71.0)	45 (29.1)
Bacillus sp.	62 (23.5)	202 (76.5)	47 (30.3)	108 (69.7)
Staphylococcus aureus	26 (26.0)	74 (74.0)	17 (17.0)	83 (83.0)

 

DISCUSSION

The present study investigated the association of udder lesions with subclinical mastitis (SCM) in dairy cows of the selected area of Chattogram, Bangladesh. The present study revealed that udder or teat lesions showed a significant association with the occurrence of subclinical mastitis with the prevalence of (56.9%) in dairy cows. This result agreed with the finding of Sori et al. (2005). According to the present study, the prevalence of udder lesions (32.1%) show a higher value in comparison to that of some previous findings by Waller (2014). The prevalence of lesions in the skin of the udder or teat is much higher than that (0.6-1.4%) reported in Finland by Saloniemi (1980). The variation in the prevalence of udder lesions between the present and previous studies might be due to the differences in their hygienic management of the farm. The hot humid geo-climatic conditions of the study area might be responsible for the high prevalence of udder lesions with SCM in the present study.

The udder and teats are the first lines of defence against intramammary infection in lactating cows. The teat canal act as a physical barrier to the penetration of bacteria. Cows with open udder or teat injuries have a higher risk of acquiring subclinical mastitis than those with no injuries on the udder. It could be due to colonization by pathogenic bacteria into the lesions. This finding was also supported by Sori et al. (2005); Biffa et al. (2005). Udder lesions provide a good medium for the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Lesions are easily invaded by mastitis pathogens especially Staphylococcus sp. and Streptococcus sp., also serve as reservoirs of SCM infection. The same findings are stated by (Klaas et al., 2004; Bhutto et al., 2010; Francis, 1984). The results of the current study revealed that predominant isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus sp., with other dominant isolated bacteria were E. coli, Streptococcus sp. and Bacillus sp. from collected samples. The high prevalence of Staphylococcus sp. and Streptococcus sp. were agreed with the findings of Sommerhauser et al. (2003).

The present study suggested that the high prevalence of SCM and udder lesions could reflect inadequate mastitis control and prevention. The control of udder lesions and SCM in dairy herds depends on the identification and elimination of risk factors associated with the environment, animal and farm management. The current study revealed that floor type of the farms, isolation shed, quarantine facility and inadequate drainage facility were responsible for the occurrence of udder lesions with SCM in lactating cows. The finding was supported by Zigo et al. (2021). They found that introducing good management and hygiene measures, selecting dairy cows that are less susceptible to udder lesions and mastitis is also a control measure worthy of consideration. In this study, the low incidence of udder lesions was found in bricks floors compared with concrete floors. This finding was agreed by Nilsson (1988). Lesser incidence rates of udder lesions on bricks floors compared with concrete floors were found by Osteras and Lund (1998).

The present study revealed that udder and teat lesions were acting as a source of bacterial contamination which increases the occurrence of subclinical mastitis, this result found to be agreed with Waller et al. (2014), who stated that the concentration of antibacterial factors in the udder is dependent on udder health and udder lesions aggravate the incidence of subclinical mastitis. This finding was also agreed by Bekele and Molla (2001), who suggested that heavy udder or teat lesions might be responsible for udder infection and lead to subclinical mastitis. The significant association between udder lesions and SCM indicates that udder lesions contributed substantially to the prevalence of SCM in the herds under study.

According to the present study, the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) was higher and this finding was similar in comparison to some previous findings. The current result was supported by Rahman et al. (2014); Tripura et al. (2014); Kabir et al. (2017), who reported 50%-60% incidences of SCM in dairy cows on bacteriological examination. The finding of the present study was also supported by Kader et al. (2002), who reported a 46.6 % prevalence of SCM in Bangladesh but the results disagreed with the findings of Rahman et al. (2010). This variation in the prevalence of SCM might be due to differences of breed, management systems of the farms, the difference in the handling of lactating cows and tests used for screening of milk samples (Mekonnen et al.,, 2017). The present study also revealed a close positive relationship between the isolation of bacteria from milk samples and the California mastitis test (CMT). Specific bacteria were isolated from all CMT positive milk samples. That means that CMT was a good diagnostic tool in the detection of SCM. Hence it could be the most reliable test to investigate SCM in dairy farms. The findings were agreed with the results of Motie et al. (1985), Bekele and Molla, (2001) they reported a strong positive correlation between the CMT scores and isolated bacteria from bacteriological results.

In this current study, Staphylococcus sp., E. coli, Bacillus sp. and Streptococcus sp. were isolated from the California mastitis test positive milk samples. The predominant isolated bacteria in the present study were Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. The present study revealed that Staphylococcus sp. was the major pathogen with a significantly higher incidence rate, followed by Streptococcus sp., Bacillus sp. and E. coli were also found from subclinical mastitis affected cows in different incidence rates. The result was supported by the findings of Sumon et al. (2017); Shike et al. (1998), who reported the highest incidence rate of Staphylococci, followed in order by Streptococci, E. coli, and Bacillus sp. and Staphylococci was the chief pathogens causing subclinical mastitis. But this result is dissimilar with the findings of Harjanti et al. (2018) who stated that Streptococcus sp. was the predominant isolated species (73.3%). It might be due to regional variation of the study area. The increased incidence of pathogenic bacteria recorded in this current study, in comparison to the earlier findings of Mahbub-E-Elahi et al. (1996), might be due to improper herd health management with indiscriminate use of antibiotics that lead to antibiotic resistance in dairy cows.

CONCLUSIONS And RECOMMENDATIONS

Overall, significant numbers of lactating cows had SCM and udder lesions which are major health problems of dairy cows and might cause significant loss to dairy farmers. The chances of SCM were higher in cows having lesions of hair loss or skin abrasion, skin crusts or papillomatosis in their udder/ teats. The occurrence of SCM and udder lesions is closely associated with the poor condition of the cows, floor type of the farms, isolation shed of the farms and injuries to the skin of the udder or teat. The study determined a high prevalence of bovine SCM (56.9%) with a medium prevalence of udder lesions (32.1%). Both contagious and environmental pathogens including Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., E. coli, Bacillus sp. and S. aureus were isolated. Of these, Staphylococcus sp. and Streptococcus sp. were the predominant isolates. Both mild and severe udder lesions were found at higher percentage in dairy herds, which emphasizes the need for implementing different preventive measures and efficient treatments. The udder lesions have a greater chance to cause SCM which can be used as an important parameter in the monitoring of SCM control. Further study is suggested to confirm the present results and observations. The causative mechanism of udder lesions and its potential preventive factors still need to be elucidated. The association between udder lesions and subclinical mastitis varies with the genetic compositions of the dairy cows. Therefore, further sudy including PCR based diagnosis of pathogens is required confirm the association of udder lesions with SCM in dairy cows.

The study on the determination of association of udder lesions with SCM in dairy cows of Chattogram, Bangladesh suggests continuous and regular screening of cows for SCM at farms, identified risk factors should be minimized, reducing the risk of contamination through improving the farm hygiene, and influences record keeping of the cows and farms.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We, the authors, are grateful to the Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) for funding the research. We would acknowledge the farmers of Chattogram for their cooperation. Also, the authors would give thanks to Poultry Research and Training Centre (PRTC) for providing laboratory facilities.

AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTION

MSB conceived and designed the study. MSH and EAR did the fieldwork and data collection. MSB and MSH did the analysis. MSH drafted the manuscript with the help of MSB. AKMHK reviewed the manuscript critically. All the authors reviewed and agreed with the final contents of the manuscript.

CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

The authors declared they have no conflict of interests.

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