Risk factor analysis on bovine mastitis in dairy herds of Batangas, Philippines

Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland. It is the most costly disease in dairy cattle due to the milk production loss and culling of infected animals (Barlow, 2011). This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of bovine mastitis and to understand the factors that predict the occurrence and the use of antibiotics in the treatment and control of mastitis in dairy cattle farms assisted by the National Dairy Authority (NDA) in Batangas, Philippines. Two thousand four hundred six (2,406) teats from 624 milking cows in 12 dairy cattle farms were subjected to the California mastitis test (CMT) last June 2016. A pretested standardized questionnaire was used to collect information on each farm. CMT results showed a 9% (215/2,406) subclinical mastitis rate and an 18% (425/2,406) clinical mastitis rate. Thirty nine percent (14/36) of the potential risk factors were identified. The practice variable: dry off treated cows without markings (P18) and the knowledge variable: incorrect knowledge on extra-label use of antibiotics leading to antimicrobial resistance (K6) remained significant (p<0.05) in the regression analysis. Mastitis management is essential not only for farm economics but also for public health.