Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Subclinical Mastitis in Dairy Camels

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is a common disease that poses a threat to mammary health and impairs milk quality. A total of 200 camels, with 800 mammary quarters, were examined to assess SCM prevalence in a dairy camel herd using the CMT and physicochemical diagnosis methods (PH and electrical conductivity “EC”), based on the direct observations of the animals and a questionnaire for the farmer to identify risk factors. Data showed a prevalence of 10.5% at the herd level and 3.63% at the mammary quarter level. Statistical test revealed an uneven distribution of SCM in the mammary quarters, with a predominance in the posterior quarters compared to the anterior ones (31.03% vs. 17.24%). The mean pH value was of 6.22±0.02 with 31% of samples being out of the standards. For EC, our results revealed a mean value of 480±13 mS/cm. Pearson coefficient showed a negative correlation between the pH and the EC. Chi-square test demonstrated the relationships between the risk factors and the onset of SCM. Tick infestations, age, lactation stage (1 to 3 months), udder hygiene and udder injuries can significantly predispose the development of SCM (P<0.05). Our data highlighted the need to develop a dairy farm monitoring and management program to prevent the disease. Future extended studies on a large sample of she-camels could provide a more comprehensive understanding of SCM dynamics in the study area.