Diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in Santa Ins and Morada Nova sheep in southeastern Brazil

Author(s)

Zafalon, Luiz Francisco ^[1] ; Mascarenhas Santana, Raul Costa ^[1] ; Pilon, Lucas Eduardo ^[2] ; Fim Junior, Guilherme Aparecido ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Embrapa Southeast Livestock, Brazilian Agr Res Corp EMBRAPA, Rod Washington Luis, Km 234, Caixa Postal 339, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Sch Agr & Vet Sci, Postgrad Program Vet Med, Via Acesso Prof Paulo Donato Castellane S-N, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION; v. 48, n. 5, p. 967-972, JUN 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate different screening limits for the California mastitis test (CMT) and the somatic cell count (SCC) in previous diagnoses of subclinical mastitis in Santa Ins and Morada Nova ewes, which were reared under the same management conditions. Additionally, cutoff points were defined for SCC in accordance with the sensitivity and specificity of the test. A total of 907 mammary halves were subjected to CMT and SCC. The disease was confirmed by means of microbiological identification. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were the microorganisms with highest occurrence. The CMT score of 1+ provided adequate sensitivity and specificity at all periods of lactation investigated. This score showed good agreement with SCC, > 400,000 cells mL(-1). Higher cell counts favored higher diagnostic specificity. They can be used when producers have financial difficulties relating to treatment or culling of sheep with subclinical mastitis. However, producers should be warned about the risk of false-negative results in the flock. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/03847-1 - Treatment of subclinical mastitis in sheep during the dry period with conventional and nanoparticle antimicrobials
• Grantee: Luiz Francisco Zafalon
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants