Mastite ovina em ovelhas da raça Santa Inês no Semi-Árido da Paraíba.

Abstract

The prevalence of mastitis in ewes was studied in 5 farms in the municipality of Pombal in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil. All flocks were maintained in a semi-intensive system with high nutritional levels. The mammary gland of 408 Santa Inês sheep were examined clinically. In the farm with higher prevalence, milk samples of ewes with mastitis were collected for microbiologic examinations and to determine antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. The prevalence of mastitis varied between 5% and 20%, with a mean prevalence of 10.78% (44/408). All ewes had chronic mastitis. The bacteria isolated in 14 out of 78 samples were Staphylococcus coagulase negative 64.28% (9/14), Staphylococcus aureus 21.42% (3/78), Pasteurella (Manheimmia) haemolytica 7.14% (1/14) and Enterobacter spp 7.14% (1/14). The sensibility to antimicrobials was variable, there was history of no response to treatments, and many ewes were submitted to mastectomy.. Inadequate practices of management, like the separation of lamb from the dams without measures to decrease their milk production, and the absence of hygienic measures, favored the occurrence of mastitis. The high prevalence of coagulase negative Staphylococcus suggests an environmental contamination. The semi-intensive system of breeding wit high nutritional levels and the absence of correct hygienic and managment practices are the main responsible for mastitis and other diseases observed in this kind of flocks.