CONTAGIOUS AND ENVIRONMENTAL BACTERIAL SPECIES IMPLICATED IN BOVINE MASTITIS FROM SOME DAIRY FARMS IN PERAK, MALAYSIA

Bovine mastitis is an inflammatory condition that affects one or more quarters of the mammary gland, which is the primary site of milk production in dairy cows. The disease is commonly associated with a reduction in both milk yield and quality, leading to substantial economic losses in the dairy industry. Bacterial pathogens of both contagious and environmental origin are known as the major cause of bovine mastitis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of bacterial species associated within selected dairy herds in Perak, Malaysia. A total of 329 composite milk samples (n = 329) were collected from 83 lactating dairy cows (n = 83) across five dairy herds. All samples were screened for mastitis using the California Mastitis Test (CMT), and CMT-positive samples were subsequently subjected to bacterial isolation and identification using analytical profile index (API) kits. Mastitis prevalence of mastitis was determined at both herd and quarter levels across all farms. The distribution of mastitis-associated pathogens, including both contagious and environmental bacteria, was also evaluated. The findings revealed a notable prevalence of mastitis among the herds under study, indicating a persistent risk to dairy productivity. Overall, mastitis remains a significant concern and may continue to contribute to considerable economic losses if effective control measures are not implemented