Exploring geographical location, housing, and feeding management as risk factors for subclinical mastitis in dromedary camels in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia
In the vast, sun-drenched landscapes of Saudi Arabia's Qassim Region, a silent threat lurks within the region's most resilient livestock. The dromedary camel, an iconic symbol of Arabian heritage and adaptation, faces an invisible enemy that compromises both animal welfare and economic productivity.
Unlike its dramatic clinical counterpart, subclinical mastitis shows no obvious signs—no swollen udders, no abnormal milk—yet it steadily reduces milk yield and quality while increasing somatic cell counts.
This hidden condition represents a significant challenge for camel producers throughout the region, with studies indicating that mastitis affects approximately 45.66% of camels globally, creating substantial economic losses for the dairy industry 6 .
The true danger of subclinical mastitis lies in its stealthy nature. While clinical mastitis displays obvious symptoms that prompt immediate treatment, the subclinical form quietly persists, often going undetected without specialized testing. Recent research has begun to unravel how geographical factors, housing conditions, and feeding management practices contribute to this pervasive problem.
Subclinical mastitis represents a hidden inflammation of the mammary gland that doesn't produce visible changes in milk or udder appearance. Unlike clinical mastitis, which presents with swollen, discolored udders and obviously abnormal milk, subclinical mastitis can only be detected through indirect means like the California Mastitis Test (CMT), somatic cell counting (SCC), or bacteriological analysis 9 .
Research indicates that subclinical mastitis has a greater financial impact on productivity than clinical cases due to reduced milk yield, altered milk composition, and impaired milk processing qualities 2 .
A recent study in Ethiopia found that S. aureus was the most prevalent bacterium (34.5%) in camels with subclinical mastitis, followed by S. agalactiae (29.8%) and S. dysgalactiae (19.4%) 5 .
This elusive nature makes it particularly dangerous—camel owners may remain completely unaware that their animals are affected, allowing the condition to persist and spread throughout the herd.
The risk of subclinical mastitis in dromedary camels is profoundly influenced by a complex interplay of environmental and management factors. For camels raised in the Qassim Region, understanding these risk factors is essential for developing effective prevention strategies.
The climate and environmental conditions in various locations directly impact pathogen survival and transmission. Regions with higher temperatures and humidity may experience increased bacterial loads in the environment, elevating mastitis risk.
Herd size has been identified as a major risk factor, with larger herds associated with higher prevalence of subclinical mastitis . Overcrowding increases the likelihood of disease transmission.
Camels with poorer body condition have been shown to be at higher risk for subclinical mastitis, highlighting the importance of adequate nutrition in maintaining immune function .
| Risk Factor Category | Specific Factor | Impact on Mastitis Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Housing & Herd Management | Herd size | Larger herds show higher prevalence |
| Udder hygiene | Unhygienic conditions significantly increase risk | |
| Tick infestation | Major risk factor due to udder damage and pathogen transmission | |
| Use of antisuckling devices | Increases risk, possibly through stress mechanisms | |
| Nutritional Status | Body condition | Poor condition associated with higher risk |
| Milk yield | Higher yielding animals may be at increased risk | |
| Animal Factors | Age | Camels >5 years have significantly higher risk |
| Lactation stage | Early lactation period presents highest risk | |
| Parity | Higher parity animals show increased susceptibility |
To better understand the risk factors for subclinical mastitis in dromedary camels, researchers conducted a comprehensive study investigating this pressing issue. This experiment exemplifies the systematic approach needed to unravel the complex web of factors contributing to mastitis in camel herds.
The study employed a cross-sectional design, examining 125 lactating multiparous she-camels during early lactation . Researchers screened for subclinical mastitis using somatic cell count (SCC) as the primary indicator.
The research team collected detailed information on potential risk factors through direct observation and farmer interviews, including housing conditions, herd size, tick infestation status, udder hygiene, and body condition score.
The findings revealed that 58.4% of the sampled camels showed evidence of subclinical mastitis based on elevated SCC, highlighting the surprisingly high prevalence of this hidden condition .
The analysis of milk mineral composition showed significantly increased levels of sodium and chloride in milk from camels with subclinical mastitis compared to healthy animals.
| Management Factor | Prevalence of SCM | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Udder hygiene (Unhygienic) | Significantly higher | p < 0.05 |
| Tick infestation (Present) | Significantly higher | p < 0.05 |
| Herd size (Larger herds) | Higher | p < 0.05 |
| Body condition (Poor) | Higher | p < 0.05 |
| Calf mortality (Higher) | Associated with increased risk | p < 0.05 |
| Mineral | Healthy Camels (mg/100g) | Camels with SCM (mg/100g) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium (Na) | 50.07 | 56.52 | p < 0.05 |
| Chloride (Cl) | 120.40 | 128.26 | p < 0.05 |
| Calcium (Ca) | 148.24 | No significant change | p > 0.05 |
| Potassium (K) | 240.22 | No significant change | p > 0.05 |
The journey to reducing subclinical mastitis in Qassim's camel herds begins with implementing strategic prevention measures based on the identified risk factors.
Maintaining clean, dry resting areas is fundamental to reducing environmental pathogen loads. Implementing a pre-milking teat disinfection routine using cotton soaked in 70% alcohol has been shown to effectively reduce bacterial contamination during milking 2 .
Managing herd size and density to prevent overcrowding can reduce disease transmission rates. Regular monitoring for subclinical mastitis using the California Mastitis Test (CMT) allows for early detection and intervention 5 .
Ensuring adequate nutrition to maintain good body condition supports immune function and reduces susceptibility to mastitis. Special attention should be given to camels in early lactation, when they appear most vulnerable to subclinical mastitis 2 .
The study of subclinical mastitis in camels relies on a sophisticated array of diagnostic tools and research methods. These techniques enable researchers to detect hidden infections, identify causative pathogens, and evaluate the immune response of affected animals.
Screening for subclinical mastitis
Semi-quantitative measurement of milk somatic cells; used for initial detection 2Quantify inflammatory cells in milk
Objective measurement of white blood cells in milk; key indicator of udder inflammation 9Analyze immune cell populations
Characterize specific immune cell types (macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes) in milk 9Identify pathogenic microorganisms
Isolate and identify bacteria responsible for mastitis using selective media 2Rapid pathogen identification
Accurate identification of bacterial species from milk samples 1Measure changes in milk composition
Detect elevated sodium and chloride levels indicative of subclinical mastitisThese research tools have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of camel mastitis. For instance, flow cytometry studies have revealed that camels with subclinical mastitis show increased CD45+ leukocytes with an expanded fraction of CD172a+ myeloid cells in their milk compared to healthy animals 9 . These detailed immunological insights would be impossible without these sophisticated research tools.
Subclinical mastitis in dromedary camels represents more than just a veterinary concern—it is a multifaceted challenge with implications for animal welfare, economic sustainability, and food security in the Qassim Region.
The hidden nature of this condition makes it particularly dangerous, as it can silently undermine herd productivity and milk quality without obvious warning signs.
The path forward requires an integrated approach that combines modern scientific knowledge with practical management adjustments.
By focusing on key modifiable risk factors such as udder hygiene, tick control, herd size management, and nutritional support, camel producers in the Qassim Region can significantly reduce the burden of subclinical mastitis in their herds. As the global demand for camel milk continues to grow, prioritizing udder health becomes increasingly crucial for a sustainable future.