Livestock Management RANCHING
Preventing Pinkeye in Cattle P
INKEYE — OR INFECTIOUS BOVINE KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS — is caused by infection of the cornea with Moraxella
bovis (M. bovis) bacteria, resulting in painful corneal ulcers and infl ammation of the eye and skin surfaces lining the eye (conjunctiva). Another organism, Moraxella bovoculi (M. bovoc-
uli), fi rst reported in 2007 by John Angelos, DVM, associate professor and associate researcher, and his team at the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (UCD SVM), is also frequently isolated from cattle with pinkeye. At this time M. bovoculi has not been proven to cause pinkeye; how- ever, it is possible that this organism is a risk factor for the disease. If not properly treated, pinkeye infections can result
in corneal scars or even eyeball ruptures, leading to permanent blindness. Pinkeye is most common in the summer months
with increased exposure to sunlight and dry, dusty conditions. Plant awns such as foxtails can also pre- dispose cattle to the disease by getting caught in the eye and damaging the cornea. Flies also increase the chances of exposure and spread of M. bovis bacteria by feeding around the face and eyes of affected cattle and then transferring infected eye fl uids to other animals. The disease can also be spread by humans, particu-
larly when not wearing disposable gloves or when ap- plying disinfectants to halters or other objects involved in handling affected animals. “It’s important to practice preventative measures
like vaccination before there is an outbreak,” Angelos says. Common signs of the disease are excessive tear- ing, frequent blinking or squinting, decreased appetite
60 The Cattleman August 2015
due to eye pain, and corneal ulceration and cloudiness. Pinkeye can affect one or both eyes and younger cattle are typically more susceptible.
Pinkeye prevention tips Control fl ies. Traditional methods have included
the use of insecticidal ear tags, dust bags and systemi- cally- or topically-applied parasiticides. Practice good sanitation and hygiene. Use dispos-
able gloves when handling cattle with pinkeye to avoid spreading the bacteria between animals. Change or disinfect the gloves and consider changing clothes or disinfecting plastic aprons between working each animal. One commonly used disinfectant is a solution of 1 part household bleach mixed with 9 parts water. This mixture should be made fresh daily to maintain effectiveness. Also, bleach becomes less effective when it becomes heavily soiled with dirt or manure and other organic material. Vaccinate before there’s a problem. Consult with
your veterinarian to develop a pinkeye vaccination plan using the right product, dosage and timing for your herd. Boost the immunity of your herd by providing the cattle with adequate levels of trace minerals such as copper and selenium. According to Angelos, M. bovis is susceptible to a
wide variety of antibiotics. Two are specifi cally labeled for the treatment of pinkeye: tulathromycin, which can be found in the brand name product Draxxin®
from
Zoetis, and oxytetracycline, from Norbrook. All treat- ment programs should be overseen by a veterinarian who can assess your situation and recommend the best treatment protocol.
thecattlemanmagazine.com
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