Assessment of Bacteriological Quality of Raw Cow Milk at Different Critical Points in Mekelle, Ethiopia

The study was conducted from November 2011 to April 2012 in to assess the bacteriological quality of raw cows, milk at different critical points in the value chain in Mekelle, Ethiopia. A total of 180 milk samples were collected from different sites and analyzed for bacterial load using standard plate count technique and isolation of pathogenic bacteria was conducted. The mean + SE bacterial count for all the milk samples was 7.39 + 0.207 log10 cfu/ml. The mean bacterial count in the different sites was 7.35+0.180, 7.35+0.180, 7.42 + 0.272 log10 cfu/ml from dairy farms, vending shops and homes/cafeterias, respectively. However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) among the sites in the value chain. The major bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp., Escherichia coli and other coliforms with frequency of isolation of 26.7%, 26.7%, 44.4 % and 62.2%, respectively. Therefore there is a need of training for persons at the various value chains on strict hygienic measures to improve the bacteriological safety of cow milk.