Kenya urged to develop standard guidelines for mastitis treatment

KENYA – New research by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has highlighted the urgent need for Kenya to develop standardised guidelines for diagnosing and treating mastitis in dairy cattle. 

The research, conducted by Dishon M. Muloi et al. and published in the BMC Veterinary Research journal, raises significant concerns about current diagnostic practices and the widespread overuse of antibiotics in managing this common udder infection.

The study found that animal health providers (AHPs) primarily diagnose mastitis based on clinical signs and herd history rather than microbiological testing. 

This practice often results in excessive antibiotic use, which may be ineffective against the specific bacterial strain causing the infection.

Mastitis is among the most prevalent and economically damaging diseases in global dairy production, accounting for a significant portion of cow antibiotic use. 

While developed nations have implemented targeted antibiotic stewardship programs, Kenya lacks standardised treatment protocols, leading to the empirical use of antibiotics by AHPs.

According to the study, 90% of AHPs diagnose mastitis based solely on visible symptoms such as udder inflammation and changes in milk appearance. 

This heavy reliance on clinical judgment over diagnostic testing has led to unnecessary antibiotic administration, raising concerns over antibiotic resistance and treatment inefficacy.

Economic impact on kenya’s dairy industry

Kenya’s dairy sector is a key contributor to the national economy, accounting for 4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 12% of the agricultural GDP in 2019. Smallholder farmers, who own between two and 15 cows, produce 82% of the national milk supply.

However, mastitis remains a persistent challenge, reducing milk yields, increasing animal health costs, and negatively impacting farm profitability. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis—a form of the disease without visible symptoms—ranges from 53% to 74% in Kenya, further complicating the issue.

The study found that AHPs in Kenya frequently administer antibiotics immediately after diagnosing mastitis based on clinical signs. Specifically, 80% of AHPs prescribe antibiotics for moderate cases, while 50% do so for mild cases. 

The most commonly used antibiotics include β-lactams (such as penicillins) and aminoglycosides, primarily administered via injection.

These practices are particularly concerning as they are not guided by microbiological diagnostic results, increasing the risk of ineffective treatments and potential antibiotic resistance.

Call for diagnostic tools and regulatory guidelines

A lack of rapid diagnostic tests on farms and the absence of standardised treatment guidelines have contributed to the overuse of antibiotics. The research team recommends adopting on-farm diagnostic tools to help AHPs make more informed treatment decisions. Additionally, financial incentives that promote the overuse of antibiotics should be removed.

By incorporating rapid diagnostic tests and preventive measures, Kenya’s dairy industry could significantly reduce unnecessary antibiotic consumption, benefiting animal welfare and public health.

The study also highlights the importance of education and training for AHPs. Those with larger client bases and those who avoid unnecessary antibiotic use in mild cases demonstrate a more proactive approach to udder health and mastitis prevention.

This finding underscores the need for tailored education programs that address the specific needs of AHPs and encourage preventive care over curative treatments. 

Furthermore, greater investment in accessible diagnostic tools for smallholder farmers is necessary. Currently, the cost of diagnostic testing and veterinary services often exceeds that of antibiotics, leading many farmers to self-administer treatments without proper guidance.

To tackle these challenges, the study concludes with a call to action for Kenya’s veterinary authorities to develop and implement national guidelines for mastitis treatment. 

These guidelines should focus on optimising antibiotic use, improving diagnostic testing, and promoting preventive measures. 

Furthermore, regulations should be enforced to limit the financial incentives for AHPs to over-prescribe antibiotics, while also ensuring that farmers have access to the necessary resources for better udder health management.

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