Economic Impact of Dairy Cattle Diseases in Jordan: A 2-Year Observational Study Based on A Single Intensively Managed Dairy Farm

Objectives: This study reports the economic impact of common dairy diseases in Jordan. Methods: Data on disease diagnoses and treatments were extracted from electronic farm records of a single, large-scale, intensively managed dairy farm located over a two-year period (2015-2016). During the same period, monthly expenses were obtained and categorized into therapeutic classes, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, hormones, vaccines, disinfectants, and miscellaneous items. For the economic analysis, only variable costs including veterinary fees, medication costs, and estimated discarded milk due to treatment withdrawal periods were considered. Results: Lameness, acute mastitis, endometritis, acute metritis and clinical ketosis were the most significant (p < 0.05) contributors to the disease burden, with prevalence rates of 25%, 20%, 18%, 15%, and 15%, respectively. The most significant (p < 0.05) contributors to the disease economic impact were dystocia with cesarean section (200 JOD, or 282 USD), followed by dystocia without cesarean section (160 JOD, or 225 USD), displaced abomasum (158 JOD, or 222 USD), and acute mastitis (143 JOD, or 201 USD). The average monthly farm expense was 8,088 +- 809 JOD (11,404 +- 1,140 USD), with antibiotics being the most significant (p < 0.05) contributor (2,862 +- 350 JOD, or 4,035 +- 493 USD), followed by vaccines (1,264 +- 150 JOD, or 1,782 +- 211 USD) and disinfectants (1,000 +- 100 JOD, or 1,410 +- 141 USD). Conclusion: These findings highlight the significant economic burden of common diseases on this specific dairy operation and the urgent need for targeted interventions to prevent various diseases affecting dairy cattle.