Development of COMMI nano formulation from Commiphora plant resins for innovative treatment of mastitis in dairy animals

Mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland) is a common and economically significant disease in dairy animals that leads to decreased milk production, increased veterinary costs and potential culling of affected animals. Current treatment options for mastitis are often costly, time-consuming and only partially effective. The aim of this study is to develop a novel nano formulation using the resin from Commiphora plants for the treatment of mastitis in dairy animals.

The research will involve the extraction of resin from Commiphora plants, followed by characterization of its chemical composition and antibacterial activity. The resin will then be processed into a nano formulation which will be evaluated for its physicochemical, stability and in-vitro antimicrobial activity against common mastitis-causing pathogens. Further experiments to evaluate the efficacy of the developed nano formulation in the field will assess its ability to penetrate mammary tissue, reduce bacterial load, alleviate inflammation and promote tissue healing. Additionally, the safety and potential side effects of the nano formulation will be investigated. The project objectives will be achieved through cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental study designs that will involve selected farmer groups.

This project is funded through InnoVet-AMR2, a four-year partnership between IDRC and the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care. The initiative is aimed at reducing the emerging risk that antimicrobial resistance in animals poses to global health and food security.