Prevalence and associated bacteria of mastitis in goats in northeastern Ethiopia

Abstract Mastitis is a multifactorial disease that affects mammalian health, productivity, and public health. However, it remains considerably understudied in goats compared to cattle in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected districts of Northeastern of Amhara region between September 2024 and May 2025. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of mastitis in goats, identify the causative bacteria, and assess the associated risk factors. The detection of mastitis in goats was performed using a physical examination and the California mastitis test. Bacterial isolation and identification were performed according to established standard protocols. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata 17 software. Among the 397 lactating goats examined, the overall mastitis prevalence at the goat level was 24.74%, comprising 2.52% clinical mastitis (CM) and 22.22% subclinical mastitis (SCM). At the udder halves level, the prevalence was 16.60%, with 1.39% CM and 15.21% SCM. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed significant associations between goat mastitis and several factors: lactation stage (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.89–6.30), district (OR = 3.47; 95% CI: 1.01–3.65), parity (OR = 2.73; 95% CI: 1.11–6.67), and previous history of mastitis (OR = 13.6; 95% CI: 4.64–40.15), all with p-values less than 0.05. Staphylococcus, E. coli, Enterococcus, and Klebsiella were identified in CM and SCM suspected cases at prevalence of 39.83%, 10.17%, 4.5%, and 2.4%, respectively. This study identified mastitis as significant production challenge-affecting goats in the study area. The findings revealed a considerable disease burden and a wide variety of bacteria, which indicates the importance of routine monitoring and the implementation of effective prevention and control measures.