[Studies on subclinical mastitis in caprine dairy herds in Morocco]

To determine the prevalence and causes of subclinical caprine mastitis, an investigation based on bacteriological diagnosis was carried out in three dairy herds (A, B and C) respectively constituted of Saanen, Alpine and a local breed, Draa. Among 287 samples analysed in the study 98 teats (34%) were infected. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci were the most frequently isolated (43% of total isolated bacteria) followed by Bacillus spp. (27%) and Staphylococcus aureus (13%). Other bacteria isolated were Pseudomonas spp. (6%), Streptococcus spp. and coliforms (5%) and Micrococcus spp. (2%). No Mycoplasma was recovered. The epidemiologic study showed the significant effect of the type of herd husbandry and breed as well as the number and month of lactation.