AETIOLOGY OF GOAT INTRAMAMMARY INFECTIONS AND SUSCEPTIBILITY OF ISOLATED PATHOGENS TOWARD ANTIBIOTICS

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify intramammary infection (IMI) in goats, focusing on Staphylococcus species, and to assess susceptibility pattern of isolated bacteria. A total of 78 half udder milk samples from 39 goats originated from an intensive dairy farm situated in northern Slovakia were submitted for microbiological analysis. The half udder milk samples were from White Shorthaired goats and Brown Shorthaired goats. Milk samples were cultured, and bacterial isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF MS. The results revealed a high prevalence of IMI, with 66.7% of milk samples testing positive for bacterial growth. Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) were the most prevalent pathogens, accounting for 94.6% of the isolates, with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus caprae being the most common species. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that 17.0% of the isolates were resistant to at least one or more of the eight antibiotics tested, particularly penicillin, cefoxitin, and neomycin. The study emphasizes the importance of regular udder health monitoring and highlights the need for prudent antibiotic use. The findings underscore the necessity for targeted management strategies to control IMI and improve overall herd health.