The study investigates the prevalence, risk factors, and causative bacteria of bovine mastitis among lactating cows in the central highlands of Ethiopia, reporting a 70.62% overall prevalence. Significant associations were found between mastitis occurrence and factors like age, parity number, visible teat abnormalities, husbandry practices, barn floor status, and milking hygiene. Predominant bacteria isolated included Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae, emphasizing the need for improved milking hygiene and practices among dairy farmers to manage mastitis effectively.