The cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to May 2022 to determine the prevalence of Salmonella isolated from raw milk of dairy herds in and around Areka town, Boloso Sore woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 151 direct udder milk samples were examined using bacteriological methods. The overall prevalence of Salmonella was recorded at a rate of 9.3%. The associated risk factors like breed, age, body condition, lactation stage, and parity were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The dairy cows with poor body condition and late lactation stage and the Holstein Friesian cross breed had a higher frequency of Salmonellosis and showed statistical significance, accounting for 17.6%, 19.1%, and 17.3%, respectively. However, the husbandry hygiene and management system of the farm had no significant association (p > 0.05) with Salmonella. This finding demonstrated that Salmonella is a pathogen that causes Salmonellosis, which was one of the diseases of dairy cows in the study area which could affect dairy production and result in significant health and economic consequences. Therefore, improvements in milk quality maintenance and assurance are encouraged as well as the need for further study in the study area was forwarded with other points.

Keywords: Areka Town; Dairy Herd, Identification; Isolation; Raw Milk; Risk Factors; Salmonella; Southern Ethiopia