A cross-sectional study of Staphylococcus aureus reservoirs in dairy goats, their environment and farm workers
- 1Sustainable Ruminant Health, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- 2Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- 3Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA, Lelystad, the Netherlands
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) induced mastitis in dairy goats is a serious concern affecting animal health and welfare and imposing economic burdens on dairy goat farms. The reservoirs and possible transmission routes of S. aureus on dairy goat farms are not fully understood. This study examined S. aureus reservoirs on Dutch dairy goat farms using a One Health approach. Samples (n = 329) were obtained on 29 dairy goat farms from goat noses (n = 145), farm workers' hands (n = 80), and milking parlour teat cups (n = 54). Environmental airborne dust samples (n = 50) were collected using electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs). Samples were cultured and analysed with the MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization, Time-Of-Flight). Staphylococcus aureus was detected on 27 farms, with about 27% of samples positive. Detection rates were highest in EDCs, confirming airborne dust as a major reservoir and potential transmission route. Hand swabs were positive least frequently, but indicated occupational exposure, particularly among milkers and farm owners. Glove users had a higher proportion of positive hand swabs compared to non-users. Participants who neither entered the stable nor handled goats tested negative. Whole genome sequencing identified ST133 as the predominant sequence type (76% of isolates), whereas ST398 was detected in 10% of the isolates. Isolates clustered mainly by farm and across all sample types. Overall, results indicate that S. aureus is present on nearly all included dairy goat farms, with positive samples in goats, on human hands, and in the environment. Preventive measures should emphasise biosecurity, hygiene, and monitoring.
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BibTeX
@article{adetunji2026crosssectional,
title = {{A cross-sectional study of Staphylococcus aureus reservoirs in dairy goats, their environment and farm workers}},
author = {Mariam F.M. Adetunji and Maxime A.M. Pals and Kacper Libera and Andries A. Kampfraath and Gerrit Koop and Manouk Vrieling and Lidwien A.M. Smit},
journal = {One Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.onehlt.2026.101624},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2026.101624},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - A cross-sectional study of Staphylococcus aureus reservoirs in dairy goats, their environment and farm workers
AU - Mariam F.M. Adetunji
AU - Maxime A.M. Pals
AU - Kacper Libera
AU - Andries A. Kampfraath
AU - Gerrit Koop
AU - Manouk Vrieling
AU - Lidwien A.M. Smit
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/17
JO - One Health
DO - 10.1016/j.onehlt.2026.101624
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2026.101624
AB - Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) induced mastitis in dairy goats is a serious concern affecting animal health and welfare and imposing economic burdens on dairy goat farms. The reservoirs and possible transmission routes of S. aureus on dairy goat farms are not fully understood. This study examined S. aureus reservoirs on Dutch dairy goat farms using a One Health approach. Samples (n = 329) were obtained on 29 dairy goat farms from goat noses (n = 145), farm workers' hands (n = 80), and milking parlour teat cups (n = 54). Environmental airborne dust samples (n = 50) were collected using electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs). Samples were cultured and analysed with the MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization, Time-Of-Flight). Staphylococcus aureus was detected on 27 farms, with about 27% of samples positive. Detection rates were highest in EDCs, confirming airborne dust as a major reservoir and potential transmission route. Hand swabs were positive least frequently, but indicated occupational exposure, particularly among milkers and farm owners. Glove users had a higher proportion of positive hand swabs compared to non-users. Participants who neither entered the stable nor handled goats tested negative. Whole genome sequencing identified ST133 as the predominant sequence type (76% of isolates), whereas ST398 was detected in 10% of the isolates. Isolates clustered mainly by farm and across all sample types. Overall, results indicate that S. aureus is present on nearly all included dairy goat farms, with positive samples in goats, on human hands, and in the environment. Preventive measures should emphasise biosecurity, hygiene, and monitoring.
SN - 2352-7714
ER -