Molecular identification of Staphylococcus aureus in cases of subclinical mastitis in dairy cattle farms of Neyshabur city

Subclinical mastitis is one of the common problems of dairy farms, which leads to a decrease in production and economic damage to the farmers. Identification of the pathogens causing subclinical mastitis in each region is necessary to prevent and control this problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in subclinical mastitis cows in dairy farms of Neyshabur city. A total of 500 milking cows from 13 dairy farms located in different parts of Neyshabur city were included in the study. Milk samples were taken from all quarters and checked for subclinical mastitis using the California mastitis test. Milk samples were taken from the quarters that were positive in the California mastitis test, and evaluated for contamination with Staphylococcus aureus using polymerase chain reaction. Out of 500 dairy cows studied (2000 quarters), 94 (18.8%) had subclinical mastitis, and Staphylococcus aureus infection was detected in 8 cows (8 quarter). Based on the results of this study, the occurrence rate of subclinical mastitis as well as the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus among subclinical mastitis cows in dairy farms of Neyshabur city is low.