The present study was aimed to identify risk factors associated to infectious mastitis in goats in a semiarid region of Bahia State, Brazil. Milk samples were taken from a total of 320 animals and 640 teats on 13 dairy goat farms. The samples were collected after teat disinfection, and were submitted to standard culture and identification of microorganisms. To evaluate the sanitary management an epidemiological questionnaire was used. The risk-factor analysis was performed in two steps: univariate and multivariate. The frequency of animals and mammary glands positive for the microbiologic exam was 29.06% (93/320) and 18.44% (118/640), respectively. One hundred eighteen bacteria were isolated, Staphylococcus spp. being the most prevalent. In the univariate risk-factor analysis, in regard to veterinary support, goats from farms without technical support presented higher frequencies to mastitis. In regard to the place of milking, a lower frequency of mastitis was detected where milking platforms were used. In the multivariate analysis, the predominance of mixed breeds was observed as an important risk factor for mastitis (OR = 1.907; p = 0.010). The spread of technology is necessary for better milking hygiene and environmental conditions, aiming to reduce the rates of infectious mastitis in the goats and consequently ensure the sanitary quality of the dairy products on small rural farms.
Epidemiology; mastitis; small ruminants