Camel pastoralists' perceptions of udder health: results from a qualitative interview study in Northern Kenya

In the Horn of Africa, pastoralists depend on livestock for food security. Camels play a pivotal role, providing both milk and meat to these communities. Camel milk production is hampered by multiple factors, one of the main issues being diseases, in particular udder health issues such as mastitis; inflammation of the udder. This study aimed to enhance understanding of camel keeping pastoralists' perceptions of mastitis and attitudes toward its control in in camels. The study was carried out in Isiolo County in Kenya. Data collection involved focus group discussion (FGDs) with camel owners, herders and actors involved in the camel milk trade. Participants predominantly belonged to the Borana, Somali and Sakuye communities. The data pertaining to perceptions of udder health problems and preventive measures was thematically analysed, using an inductive approach.

Four themes were identified regarding pastoralists perceptions of udder health; (i) Importance of udder health; (ii) Economy; (iii) Herders' responsibilities and (vi) Udder health strategies. The results showed that camel pastoralists were skilled at detecting clinical mastitis and had developed strategies to maintain good udder health, such as adhering to a milking order, culling camels with faulty udders and applying treatment. The use of traditional knowledge in parallel with modern medical knowledge resulted in a multitude of treatment strategies without any standardised treatment routines. Awareness of subclinical mastitis, that is mastitis without any clinical signs, was very low and its detrimental effects of mastitis on milk production were poorly understood. Participants were largely positive to interventions that were sustainable, feasible, effective and accessible, such as using California Mastitis Test (CMT) and hand disinfectant.

Strategic milk hygiene work including selected interventions accompanied by targeted educational efforts and driven by economic incentives, could form the basis for future preventative work. This will need to be evaluated in the local context.