from: cattlenetwork.com
“It shows up every year and to the unlucky cattle that contract it, Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), more commonly called pinkeye, is incredibly painful and if left untreated, can lead to loss of the eye, a Kansas State University veterinarian said.
“Pinkeye is usually caused by the bacteria Moraxella bovis,” said K-State Research and Extension veterinarian Larry Hollis. “However, we´ve found that in many cases – especially the extremely difficult cases – another bacteria, either Branhamella ovis or Mycoplasma bovoculi, is also present.”
The disease is spread by flies, said Hollis, which means that good fly control around cattle production areas should always be a priority.
In its early stages, pinkeye is usually easier to treat, he said. The disease can accelerate rapidly, however, and if not treated aggressively can lead to damage to the eye or complete loss of the eye.
“It is painful as all get-out,” said Hollis, who added that cattle with an active case of pinkeye or those with permanent damage are discounted at sale time. “Watch or animals that are producing an unusual amount of tears (discharge) that show up on the face,” he said, adding that “there will always be a carrier animal in the vicinity – either in your herd or one down the road.”
Tags: animal health, Beef, Cattle, pinkeye, prevention, treatment
