Pink eye (Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis) is a very common disease in cattle in southern Australia. Despite its prevalence, there are components of the disease that are still poorly understood and other eye diseases such as corneal ulceration (eg. as caused by grass seed) are often referred to as pink eye despite not being a true case of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). A key factor in IBK is the outbreak style of the disease where multiple cases occur due to contagious spread of the disease.
Pink eye is a very common disease in cattle in southern Australia. Despite its prevalence, there are components of the disease that are still poorly understood and other eye diseases such as corneal ulceration (eg. as caused by grass seed) are often referred to as pink eye despite not being a true case of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). A key factor in IBK is the outbreak style of the disease where multiple cases occur due to contagious spread of the disease.
Flies are known to play a significant role in pink eye; they spread the infection, but there is a possibility they may also cause damage to the surface of the eye itself. Young stock are more likely to experience outbreaks. Dust and wind increase the risk of ulceration to the eye. Irritation, damage and weeping of the eyes can occur due to long swards of grass or burying heads in hay feeders. Immune suppression due to:
Long-acting Oxytetracycline (Alamycin LA 300), and the application of an eye patch. This treatment is the most effective method where single treatment/single yarding is required. Orbenin Eye ointment and the application of an eye patch. This eye ointment requires repeat treatment. Remember that multiple yardings or close confinement of mobs may contribute to further spread. Anti-inflammatories. Pain relief and reduction of acute inflammation can be achieved with a dose of antiinflammatory such as Meloxicam or Tolfejec at the start of the treatment. Patches are very important to protect the eye from sunlight, which contributes to inflammation, but also to reduce spread and irritation from flies and further irritation from dust.
Fly repellant ear tags - Cylence Ultra - reduce fly exposure for up to 4 months. These are available from Tallangatta and Kiewa Vets. Pour-on fly products. Eg. Coopers Easy Dose. Reduces fly exposure temporarily, but multiple treatments will be required throughout the season. Dung beetles reduce faecal load/fly larvae on pastures as well as other biological fly controls – where possible reduce the use of pesticides that may negatively impact these desirable bugs.
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