Abstract
Background: Mastitis is a significant disease of small ruminants (sheep and goats) that declines both the quantity and quality of milk in dairy animals, ultimately reducing weight gain in lambs and feeding offspring. Furthermore, this condition adversely affects animal health and causes substantial economic losses to livestock farmers.
Objective: To isolate and identify the pathogenic bacteria responsible for mastitis in sheep and goats in Panjgur City, Balochistan, Pakistan.
Methodology: A total of 200 milk samples were collected from infected sheep and goats in the Panjgur district. The samples were cultured on various selective and differential culture media and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. Bacterial isolates were identified based on colony morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests including catalase, coagulase, and oxidase tests.
Results: Out of 200 milk samples, 70 (35%) were found to be positive for bacterial growth. Three pathogenic bacterial species were identified: Staphylococcus aureus (55.71%), Escherichia coli (32.84%), and Proteus spp. (11.45%). Morphological analysis revealed that S. aureus appeared as Gram-positive cocci in grape-like clusters, E. coli as Gram-negative coccobacilli, and Proteus spp. as Gram-negative rods with motility.
Conclusion: The present study findings demonstrate that mastitis in sheep and goats in Panjgur City is primarily caused by S. aureus, followed by E. coli and Proteus spp. These infectious agents can be effectively treated with appropriate antibiotics. Regular screening and proper hygiene practices are recommended to control the spread of mastitis in small ruminants.
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