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Goat milk is an important component of nutrition in semi-arid regions. Production in Paraiba State is primarily supported by government agencies and often used in social programs such as "Fome Zero", a project intended to improve the nutritional status of the population in underdeveloped areas. However, private market access is a core necessity for the long-term sustainability of smallholder producers in the goat milk value chain. The aim of this study was to provide a baseline investigation into the microbiological and physicochemical traits of goat milk produced in northeastern Brazil in order to support intervention measures for prevention and control of foodborne pathogens. Bulk milk samples from 96 family producers were collected and analyzed quantitatively for aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliforms and Staphylococcus spp., and qualitatively for Salmonella enterica. Somatic cell counts and milk composition in terms of protein, fat, and dry extract were also determined. The results indicate high bacterial counts in raw milk. Aerobic mesophilic counts higher than 5 x 10(5) CFU/ml were found in 62.5% of the samples. Mean coliform and Staphylococcus counts were 1.2 x 10(6) and 1.9 x 10(6) CFU/ml, respectivey. S. enterica was detected in two (2.1%) samples. Somatic cell counts higher than 1 x 10(6) cells/ml were found in 87.5% farms. Possible risk factors associated with mesophilic aerobic bacteria, coliform. Escherichia coli and staphylococci counts were identified. These results indicate the need to reduce bacteriological counts in raw milk and further investigate potential associations with mastitis in this region. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V.