Vaccines Can Help Fight Pinkeye-Causing Bacteria in Cattle Herd

PINKEYE TREATMENT HELPS PREVENT FURTHER LOSSES

North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist Gerald Stokka said infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), is one of the most painful and common cattle diseases. The economic impact results from a loss in production, reduced weight, decreased milk production, and devaluation of sale animals when eyes are disfigured.

“Numerous physical factors can cause pinkeye to become more of a problem,” he said. These factors include the breed and age of the animal, ultraviolet light exposure, wind and pollen, pasture conditions, and other upper respiratory infections. Calves tend to be more susceptible to pinkeye than older cows or bulls. Face flies are also a factor in the spread of disease within the herd.

“Early indications of a problem include increased tearing and squinting,” Stokka said. “The clear surface portion of the eye may become cloudy or white, and an ulcer may develop in the cornea.”

Antibiotic therapy, fly control and management of contributing environmental factors are the best treatment methods. Covering the eye with a cloth patch glued over the face may make the animal more comfortable by decreasing the sunlight irritation. This can also help decrease the spread of disease.

Vaccinations can help prevent disease within a herd. Commercial vaccines have been available to ward off pinkeye for a long time. A recent push toward personalized programs that use farm-specific bacteria could lead to fewer localized outbreaks, according to Hanzlicek.

“An autogenous, or prescription, vaccine is where a veterinarian collects eye swabs from affected animals, and the bacteria found are sent to a lab where they grow that bacteria colony,” he said. “Then a specific vaccine is created using the organisms on that ranch. There are a lot of field reports where these products seem to be very, very effective.”

While other bacteria can be present in the eyelid tissues as well as environmental conditions affecting the animal’s immune system, the vaccines can help as well. Herd veterinarians should be contacted when dealing with health issues such as pinkeye.

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

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