Abstract

RAMIREZ-SANMARTIN, Natacha et al. Risk factors of mastitis associated with Mollicutes in dairy herds in Zamora-Chinchipe province, Ecuador. Rev Salud Anim. [online]. 2023, vol.45  Epub July 12, 2023. ISSN 2224-4700.

Bovine mastitis is a sanitary and economic challenge for animal production, not only because it affects animal health and welfare, but also because of the threat it represents to public health, as well as the millions of losses caused by treatment costs and the milk discarded, indispensable food to the expanding population globally. Mycoplasma spp. were previously identified in tank milk and individual cows in Zamora-Chinchipe province. To analyze the risk factors associated with this problem, semi-structured questionnaires were applied to the herds previously tested. The variables with p-valor<0,2 in regression analysis were selected and included in the multivariate model, finally handle adjusted by backward procedure elimination variables with no significance (p<0,05). The risk factors for mollicutes in herds were the higher quantity number of zoothecnic categories (RP=1,691, IC95%: 1,293 – 2,210), the presence of Holstein race (RP=15,89; 1,44 – 175,45), no drinkable water use (RP=4,37; 1,306 – 14,620) and animal purchase into the province (RP=4,28; 1,416 – 12,939). Meanwhile, hand washing by the milker between cows or between groups showed a 57% and 67.6% lower prevalence, respectively, compared to herds where this practice is not followed. Additionally, drying the udders with paper before milking (with a 69.6% lower prevalence) is also a protective factor against Mollicutes in individual cows.

Keywords : Mollicutes; Mycoplasma; mastitis; risk.

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