Laboratory tests revealed high contamination of raw milk sampled from selected nodes of the dairy value chain in Mbulu District, Tanzania.
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Date
2025-07-30
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Science Publishing Group
Abstract
This study was carried to investigate the levels and types of microbial contamination in raw milk from selected nodes of the dairy
value chain in Mbulu District, northeastern, Tanzania. A total of 185 raw milk samples were collected from dairy farmers,
vendors, and restaurants across four wards namely Endagikot, Imboru, Hydom, and Dongobesh. The target bacteria were
Escherichia (E.) coli, Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae, and Enterococcus (E.) faecalis. A total of 185 milk
samples were collected from dairy farms, vendors and restaurants across four wards. Total viable bacteria count and bacterial
isolates were analysed using culture, biochemical test and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass
Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS. Contamination increased up the chain with the lowest mean bacterial load (7.78 × 103cfu/ml) in
milk samples collected directly from udder and the highest (2.09 × 104cfu/ml) in farmers bulking containers. E. coli and
Staphylococcus spp. were the most prevalent bacteria detected at rates of 32.1 and 17 percent respectively of total samples from
the vendors as well as 18.9 and 17 percent of total samples collected directly from udder. The E. faecalis and K. pneumoniae were
detected at much lower rates (3.77 and 1.89 percent respectively). The bacteria levels determined in the present study are
sufficiently high to contribute to milk-borne illnesses among consumers. The findings highlight public health risks associated
with poor hygiene practices, inadequate milk handling, and environmental contamination. Enhanced training for milk handlers,
improved hygiene protocols and regular surveillance are recommended to ensure milk quality and safety.
Description
Animal and Veterinary Sciences (2025) Vol.13 (4): pp. 104-113
Keywords
Contamination, Microbial Quality, Public Health, Dairy Value Chain
Citation
https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20251304.13