New Rapid Test Kit Empowers Farmers to Detect Mastitis Effectively

Farmers now have access to a new rapid strip test kit for detecting subclinical mastitis in livestock, a critical advancement for managing dairy health. The test simplifies detection, enabling early intervention. The Veterinary Science Research Institute is hosting an open week to educate farmers about the kit and related animal health practices, aiming to improve livestock management and reduce disease prevalence.

A new rapid strip test kit has been developed to aid farmers in detecting subclinical mastitis in their livestock. This condition is not visible to the naked eye, making the strip test a valuable tool for farmers to manage mastitis effectively by examining their animals’ milk. Dr. Moses Olum, a scientist at the Veterinary Science Research Institute in Muguga, explained that high-producing dairy cows face a significant risk of mastitis, emphasizing the importance of early detection.

Dr. Olum noted that while there are existing tests for mastitis, they typically require technical expertise to interpret the results. The new test kit simplifies this process: farmers administer a small amount of milk onto the strip, and a color change indicates whether the animal suffers from mastitis. This test is capable of detecting all forms of mastitis, thus helping farmers make informed treatment decisions quickly.

The distinction between clinical and subclinical mastitis is crucial. Clinical mastitis manifests obvious symptoms, such as changes in milk quality and the animal’s health, while subclinical mastitis appears normal although the milk quality is compromised. Detecting subclinical mastitis early prevents further infection among healthy animals and enables timely treatment.

Research conducted in Embu and Kajiado counties in 2020 revealed that mastitis prevalence in dairy cows reached 80%, with clinical cases at 6.8% and subclinical cases at 73.1%. Dr. Olum acknowledged that developing diagnostic tests and vaccines is a significant undertaking, often requiring considerable time and resources.

To promote the new mastitis test kit, the Veterinary Science Research Institute is hosting an open week from March 4th to 7th, inviting livestock farmers to engage with veterinarians and explore the new technology. Farmers will learn about the test kit, its usage, and potential costs once it becomes available for purchase.

During this open week, farmers will receive guidance on animal health, preventive measures, and curative approaches. Dr. Olum encouraged farmers to bring photographs of their animals experiencing health issues and seek expert advice on-site. Additionally, exhibitors from various institutions, including the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute, will showcase products aimed at improving livestock health.

The institute is also focused on developing a Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccine that requires minimal refrigeration, making it accessible to remote areas. Dr. Olum mentioned the aim of eradicating PPR by 2030, aligning with the African Union’s goal, striving for effective diagnostics and vaccines to combat the disease.

Furthermore, a live vaccine for East Coast Fever (ECF), called the Infection and Treatment Method (ITM), has been introduced to simplify vaccination, requiring administration only once per animal’s lifetime for lasting immunity. Dr. Olum advised that calves should receive this vaccination to navigate their production cycles without experiencing ECF.

The Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organization continues to organize open weeks across all its centers, showcasing various technologies, innovations, and best practices in the agricultural and livestock sectors in an effort to support local farmers.

The introduction of a new rapid strip test kit offers farmers a straightforward method for detecting subclinical mastitis in their livestock, which is essential for maintaining animal health and productivity. By participating in open weeks hosted by research authorities, farmers can access vital resources and information to improve their livestock management practices. These initiatives represent a collective effort to combat major livestock diseases and enhance agricultural productivity in Kenya.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke