Assessment of intramammary infections and antibiotic sensitivity in goats from Queimadas, Paraíba, Brazil

The state of Paraíba is a benchmark in Brazil for goat’s milk production. Mastitis is a common disease in dairy herds, often caused by bacteria, and its identification is crucial for promoting efficient treatment. This study aimed to investigate the milking behaviour of goats in the city of Queimadas (Paraíba, Brazil), identify the bacterial species present in the mammary glands of these goats using the MALDI-TOF MS technique, and carry out sensitivity tests on the isolated bacteria. Milk samples were taken from 57 animals across 8 herds, totalling 113 udder halves. After identification, the bacterial colonies were subjected to sensitivity tests. All the farms visited employed hand milking, with all the milk producers washing their hands before starting. Only one milk producer performed the strip cup test and pre-dipping, while four producers performed post-dipping. Bacterial growth was detected in 15 of the 113 udder halves collected, identifying species such as Staphylococcus caprae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, and Micrococcus luteus. The bacterial isolates were largely susceptible to the antibiotics tested; however, one strain was found to be multi-resistant. The dairy goat herds in the city of Queimadas are reared using systems of incipient technology. Subclinical mastitis occurs in these herds, with the bacteria found being sensitive to various antimicrobials, although resistant strains were also identified.