Untitled

Abstract

SummaryCamel milk has high mineral contents of Ca, Na, Mg, Fe and Cu, low sugar and lower cholesterol and very high Vitamin C. Mastitis in camels has been reported from almost all camel rearing countries. Besides causing the loss in milk production, it has hazardous effects on human beings and suckling calves. Many infective agents have been implicated as causes of mastitis in camels, however, bacterial infections are considered the primary cause of mastitis in camel. Transmission mechanisms depend on the bulk of the infection in the environment, including: infected quarters; efficiency of milking personnel; susceptibility of the camel, which is related to the stage of lactation, age of the camel and level of inherited resistance. Subclinical mastitis is more prevalent than other form of mastitis, and unfortunately the affected animal could affect other animals because it acts as microorganism reservoir. Diagnosis of mastitis can be done through clinical examination, pH test, California Mastitis test, Somatic Cell Count, and bacteriological analyses for confirmation may be made by culturing. The prevalence of mastitis differs markedly due to geographical area and individual herd management. For instance, an overall prevalence of camel mastitis was found to be 30.2%and 76% in Eastern Ethiopia. Therapeutic approach in treating acute mastitis is via systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, with regular stripping of the mammary glands. Treatment of chronic mastitis is very difficult and the condition often results in the loss of the affected quarter. There are three main principles of mastitis control methods, such as elimination of existing infection, prevention of new infection and monitoring udder health status. Economic importance of mastitis includes: loss of milk production and quality with less favorable features, reduction in milk price due to high SCC presence, milk loss because of antibiotic treatment, and veterinary care costs. Therefore, targeting prevention and control effort is needed through early diagnosis, treatment and by avoiding possible risk factors.