Page 18 - MWC 8-10-2023s

THE IMPACT OF PINKEYE IN CATTLE
THE IMPACT OF PINKEYE IN CATTLE The Midwest Cattleman · August 10, 2023 · P18

Causes, Signs, and Best Practices for Control and Prevention
Causes, Signs, and Best Practices for Control and Prevention
By Paige Carlson
Pinkeye, also known as in- to an infection with pink- ing them more
fectious bovine keratoconjunc- eye-causing germs, the animal susceptible to in-
tivitis, is a painful eye disease may experience only a short fection. They can
that affects cattle worldwide. period of irritation charac- pick up the organ-
It is more prevalent in cattle terized by excessive tearing. ism while feed-
with light-colored faces and However, if the injured eyes ing on the face of
in environments with bright become infected, serious prob- infected animals
sunlight, dust, and certain lems can arise, and it may be and spread it to
other conditions. Outbreaks necessary to consult a veteri- the eyes of other
can occur at any time, but narian to determine whether cattle within a
the risk is highest during the the issue is due to pinkeye or herd.
summer months. another disease. Calves are
Here’s a look at the causes, Various organisms can believed to be Pinkeye is a painful eye disease that affects cattle
signs, treatment, control, and cause pinkeye infections, with more vulnerable worldwide. Here’s a look at the causes, signs, treatment,
prevention of pinkeye, provid- the most common being Mo- to pinkeye than control, and prevention of pinkeye, provided by K-State’s
Beef Cattle Institute.
ed by Kansas State Universi- raxella bovis. This bacterium older animals due
ty’s Beef Cattle Institute. possesses hair-like structures to their lack of immunity and velop a white scar on the eye's
Cause of Pinkeye that enable it to attach to the their closer proximity to dust, surface, which may fade over
Pinkeye is typically caused eye's surface. Additionally, it pollen, and tall grass or weeds. time. Ruptured eyes will lead
by minor eye injuries result- produces an enzyme that de- It is generally believed that to blindness and severe disfig-
ing from factors, including: stroys cells on the eye's sur- cattle infected with a specific urement.
• bright sunlight face. type of Moraxella bovis will Treating Pinkeye
Moraxella bovis can spread not contract the disease again
• dust The best method of treating
• wind to other cattle through direct for over a year. However, there cattle with pinkeye involves
contact with eye discharges are different types or families
• tall grass or weeds administering antibiotic injec-
• plant seeds or via face flies, which carry of this bacterium, and immu- tions and reducing exposure
the organism from one ani- nity to one type does not guar-
• pollen to dust, weeds, and sunlight.
• face flies mal to another. Face flies are antee protection against other Most strains of Moraxella
other
particularly involved in pink- types.
Furthermore,
• diseases like bovine rhi- bovis are susceptible to an-
notracheitis (IBR) eye transmission as they ir- germs can also cause pink- tibiotics that can be injected
ritate the eyes of cattle, mak- eye infections, and previous
If these injuries do not lead under the skin of the neck.
immunity to Moraxella bovis
infections does not safeguard Covering the affected eye
against these infections. with a patch glued over the
face or sewing the eyelids shut
Signs of Pinkeye can help alleviate discomfort
The initial sign of pinkeye by reducing sunlight exposure
is increased tearing, resulting and limiting the spread of the
in excessive wetness around disease.
the eyes. On closer examina- If possible, affected calves
tion, the inside lining of the should be relocated to shaded
eyelid and the white portion of areas with minimal dust expo-
the eye will appear red. sure, where they can receive
As the disease progresses, easy treatment. Adequate feed
the eye may become cloudy or and water should be provided
white. An ulcer often forms in to the calves and their dams
the center of the visual portion until they can be reintegrated
of the eye, and if it becomes with the rest of the herd once
deep enough, the eye can rup- their eyes have healed.
ture.
Without treatment, many Preventing and
animals will heal within 3 to 6 Controlling Pinkeye
weeks. Some animals will heal Preventing and controlling
without any evidence of previ- pinkeye involves reducing ex-
ous issues, while more severe- posure to environmental risk
ly affected individuals may de- continued on page 25

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