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Feed contamination with Candida krusei as a probable source of mycotic mastitis in dairy cows
D Elad1, N Y Shpigel, M Winkler
1Division of Bacteriology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan, Israel.
Abstract:
Over 3 months, yeasts were isolated in pure culture from milk samples obtained from 8 lactating cows with acute mastitis and from 1 cow with subacute mastitis. Eight of the isolates were identified as Candida krusei; 1 isolate was not submitted for identification. The affected cows were assigned to separate milking groups and had not been treated by intramammary administration of antibiotic before the outbreak. Remission of disease without treatment was observed, followed by shedding of the yeast in milk for 2 to 5 weeks. Median somatic cell counts in the affected cows before, during, and 2 months after the onset of clinical signs were 93,000; 1,793,000; and 135,000 cells/ml, respectively. Wheat silage was found to be the probable source of the infecting microorganism, whereas inadequate milking hygiene resulted in its persistence in the herd. Following replacement of the silage and improvement of the milking hygiene, the outbreak ceased. Candida krusei thus may cause mastitis in cattle not only following intramammary antibiotic treatment, but also in conditions of heavy environmental contamination, in conjunction with inadequate milking hygiene.
Insights
Candida krusei caused mastitis in cattle, originating from contaminated wheat silage. Improved hygiene and silage replacement resolved the outbreak, highlighting environmental factors in bovine mastitis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Bovine mastitis is a significant concern in dairy herds.
- Candida krusei, a yeast, is an opportunistic pathogen.
- Previous research linked Candida krusei mastitis to intramammary antibiotic use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of mastitis caused by Candida krusei in dairy cows.
- To identify the source and contributing factors of the yeast mastitis outbreak.
- To determine the role of environmental contamination and hygiene in Candida krusei mastitis.
Main Methods:
- Yeast isolation and identification from milk samples of affected cows.
- Monitoring of somatic cell counts in affected cows.
- Epidemiological investigation to identify the source and transmission routes.
Main Results:
- Candida krusei was identified as the causative agent in 8 out of 9 mastitis cases.
- The outbreak occurred without prior intramammary antibiotic treatment.
- Wheat silage was identified as the probable source, and inadequate milking hygiene facilitated persistence.
- Disease remission occurred spontaneously, with yeast shedding lasting 2-5 weeks.
- Somatic cell counts significantly increased during clinical signs.
Conclusions:
- Candida krusei can cause mastitis in cattle due to environmental contamination and poor hygiene, not solely post-antibiotic treatment.
- Effective herd management, including feed hygiene and milking practices, is crucial for controlling yeast mastitis outbreaks.