Vol. 10, Issue 9, Part D (2025)

Author(s): Pranav Anjaria, Manasi Soni and Jigar Raval

Abstract: Staphylococcus spp. are among the leading causes of bovine mastitis, posing significant economic and public health concerns through reduced milk yield, treatment costs, and the risk of transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria via raw milk. This epidemiological study analyzed 500 bovine milk samples from 10 dairy farms to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of Staphylococcus spp. The overall prevalence was 27.6% (138/500), with Staphylococcus aureus (58%) more frequently isolated than coagulase-negative staphylococci (42%). Crossbred cattle (35%) and cows in early lactation (32%) exhibited significantly higher prevalence compared to indigenous and late-lactation animals (p<0.05). Multiparous cows (?4th parity) and summer season were identified as independent predictors of infection in logistic regression analysis, with clinical mastitis strongly associated with Staphylococcus positivity (OR = 3.9, p<0.001). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed alarming resistance to penicillin (82%), oxacillin (48%), and tetracycline (41%), while all isolates remained sensitive to vancomycin. The findings emphasize the influence of host- and management-related factors on Staphylococcus epidemiology and highlight the growing challenge of AMR in dairy production. Effective mastitis control programs, rational antimicrobial use, and improved hygiene practices are imperative to safeguard both animal productivity and consumer health.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i9d.2557