(QASSIM REGION)

Abstract. The microbiological quality and safety of raw camel milk from different farms in Qassim region (middle Saudi Arabia) were examined. Milk samples (n=33) were aseptically collected from the milking bowls. Samples were analyzed for several microbial quality attributes including aerobic total plate count (ATPC), psychrotrophs (PC), aerobic mesophilic sporeforming bacteria (AMSC), Enterobacteriaceae, total coliforms, faecal coliforms and moulds and yeasts. Furthermore, the presence of selected pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella was detected. The mean log counts per ml for ATPC, psychrotrophs, aerobic mesophilic spore former, Enterobacteriaceae, and moulds and yeasts were 5.0, 3.8, 2.1, 2.7, and 1.9, respectively. Coliform group was found in 45.5 % of samples while 12 % were faecal coliform positive as revealed by MPN method. S. aureus was located in 70 % of the samples and the mean count was 2.7 log cfu per ml. Meanwhile, salmonella was detected in 24 % of the samples. Results indicate the potential health risk of consuming raw camel milk under the present production conditions