Incidence of Pathogenic Strains of Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from Diary Farms in Ferizaj, Kosovo

Pathogenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus often contaminate fresh milk produced in dairy farms. This study evaluates the occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus in milk produced in 10 farms located in the regions of Ferizaj, Kosovo. Early the milk samples were tested with "California test" for mastitis. All samples confirmed positive with this test are analyzed with ISO standard method for isolation of Staphylococcus aureus couagulase positive strains. From 2013 to 2014 were analyzed one hundred and eight milk samples from individual cows showing subclinical mastitis. S. aureus strains were detected in 26/108 or 24% of milk samples. 16 out of 26 or 61.5% of pathogenic strains of S. aureus showed atypical characteristics in incubated cultures. Results confirmed the potential transmission of staphylococcal food poisoning to consumers via milk affected by subclinical mastitis, mainly when raw milk is ingested. Subclinical mastitis remain a health probem of dairy cows in Ferizaj and consequently a real threat to the customer as a result of pathogenic strains of Staphylococus aureus present in fresh milk. Keywords:  Staphylococcus aureus, mastitis, milk, cow, Ferizaj, Kosovo.