Mycoplasma agalactiae and the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster in goat herds in the states of Pernambuco and Paraiba, Brazil

The objective of this study was to detect Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma) and the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster (Mm(cluster)) in 373 goat milk samples of different breeds from herds located in Pernambuco and Paraiba states, as well as to evaluate somatic cell count (SCC) and milk composition from positive animals. For this, DNA extraction from milk samples was carried out, followed by generic and species-specific amplification by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Milk constituents were determined by medium infrared spectrometry and SCC by flow cytometry. Analyses of variance and tests of comparison of means verified the effects of positivity on the evaluated characteristics. The frequencies for Ma and Mm(cluster) were 43.21 and 5.70%, respectively. In all genetic groups, Ma was detected in all positive samples, whereas Mm(cluster) was only observed in samples from Moxoto, Parda Sertaneja, and that without a defined racial pattern. Statistical difference was observed (p < 0.05) between mean values of protein, casein and SCC in positive and negative Ma samples. In terms of Mm(cluster) there was only a statistically significant difference in the SCC parameter. The detection of Mycoplasma in samples of goat milk suggests an introduction of infected animals into the evaluated herds, as well as possible contact with the etiological agents at fairs and exhibitions.