Research insights on antibiotic use to treat mastitis in Kenyan smallholder dairy farms
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Published on
04.04.25
- Challenges
Mastitis is a common driver of antibiotic use in dairy farms. It is exacerbated in low-income settings by the lack of diagnostics and treatment strategies.
To better understand how this disease is managed in smallholder dairy farms, a team of scientists from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) carried out a study in Kiambu County, Kenya to assess how animal health providers make decisions in the management of mastitis, especially with regard to the use of antibiotics.
Based on data from 114 animal health providers, the research team found that 90 per cent of animal health providers diagnosed clinical mastitis based on symptoms such as visible udder signs and milk changes, with little diagnostic testing support.
In severe cases, all animal health providers started antibiotic treatment immediately after clinical examination, while in moderate and mild cases of infection, immediate antibiotic treatment was initiated by 80% and 50% of animal health providers, respectively.
Beta-lactams (penicillin) and aminoglycosides, administered mostly by injections, were the frequently reported classes of antibiotics used to treat mastitis, irrespective of the severity.
The study also found that treatment of mastitis was primarily based on clinical judgment with limited microbiological diagnostic support, and that parenteral antibiotics were used as first-line therapy.
Thus, the researchers recommend that mastitis management support tools, such as treatment guidelines, be developed to improve on-farm disease management for rational use of antibiotics.
Additionally, veterinary professionals should carry out routine on-farm rapid testing supported by bacterial culture to guide decision-making with respect to choice of antibiotic and treatment protocols.
Citation
Muloi, D.M., Ibayi, E.L., Nyotera, S., Kirimi, H., Abdi, A.M., Mutinda, S.M., Abigael, C. and Moodley, A. 2025. Treatment strategies and antibiotic usage practices in mastitis management in Kenyan smallholder dairy farms. BMC Veterinary Research 21: 212.
Written by Tezira Lore, Communication Officer, ILRI