Treating Pink Eye

Pink eye, also known as infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), is a highly contagious eye condition seen in cattle. It is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea.

IBK can cause pain, corneal ulcerations, and vision loss in affected cattle, negatively impacting their health and productivity. Swift treatment is key to minimizing discomfort and preventing permanent eye damage in valuable breeding stock and dairy animals.

In this blog post, we will discuss in-depth about Pink Eye in cattle and its solutions and preventions to stop it from spreading in cattle.

What Causes IBK in Cattle?

IBK is caused by the bacterium Moraxella bovis in over 95% of cases. It spreads through flies feeding around cattle eyes along with direct contact between infected animals. Dust, pollen, sunlight exposure, and eye injuries can also trigger pink eye outbreaks when the bacteria is present.

While cattle of all ages can be affected, calves between 2-6 months old around weaning time in summer and fall are most susceptible. Crowding, stress, shipping, weather changes, and poor ventilation increase outbreak risk. Herd immunity from previous exposure develops over time.

Recognizing Signs of Pink Eye in Cattle

Catching IBK promptly is crucial for effective treatment. Here are the clinical signs to watch out for:

Increased tear production causes wetness around the eyes
Squinting due to photophobia or sensitivity to light
Reddened conjunctiva progressing to severe swelling

Clouded or hazy cornea with blue-gray opacity
Ulcers on the surface of the cornea
Discharge from the eyes that dries into crusty deposits around lids

Rubbing and scratching at irritated eyes

In early IBK cases, you may just observe excessive tearing and mild conjunctivitis. But left untreated, it can progress to severe keratitis with corneal scarring and perforations that can permanently impair vision. IBK typically affects one eye first but often spreads to both eyes.

Treating Active Cases of Pinkeye in Cattle

Several treatment options are available for cattle diagnosed with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis. Your vet will recommend the appropriate medication regimen based on disease severity.

Antibiotic Eye Ointments and Solutions

Applying antibiotic ointments or solutions to the infected eye is the most common IBK treatment. These provide localized action against Moraxella bovis. Tetracycline, neomycin, oxytetracycline, and penicillin are common antibiotic choices.

Use an ocular lubricant gel first to flush out mucus from the eye. Apply antibiotic ointment inside the lower eyelid 2-3 times daily. Use gloved hands or an applicator to prevent the spreading of infection. Continue for at least 3 days after the eye appears normal.

Antibiotic Injections

For optimal results, systemic antibiotics may be administered along with topical ointments. Injectable oxytetracycline, penicillin, and tulathromycin effectively treat active IBK cases and prevent secondary infections. These are often given as two doses 48 hours apart.

Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drops

Steroid eye drops like prednisolone acetate help reduce inflammation and discomfort in severe cases. However they should be used judiciously only after antibiotics since steroids can suppress immunity and worsen corneal damage if used alone.

Eye Patches and Coverings

Covering affected eyes with patches limits sunlight exposure which exacerbates IBK pain and inflammation. This encourages cattle to open their eyes to allow medication application. Occlusion also prevents flies from spreading infection between herd mates’ eyes.

Supportive Care

Providing low-stress housing, soft bedding, and nutritional supplements supports recovery in animals with IBK. Electrolytes and probiotics prevent dehydration and maintain gut health. Vitamin A boosts immunity against IBK.

Topical atropine and pain relievers can be administered for cattle showing photophobia and discomfort. Inappetence may necessitate temporary tube feeding. Your veterinarian will tailor supportive therapy to your animals’ condition.

Preventing Pink Eye in Your Herd

Along with promptly treating active cases, implementing preventive measures can help safeguard your cattle from infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis outbreaks.

Vaccination

Vaccines help reduce IBK incidence by boosting cattle’s immunity against Moraxella bovis. Both killed/inactivated and modified live vaccines are available. Follow label directions and consult your vet on the optimal timing for your herd’s vaccination schedule.

Two initial doses followed by annual boosters before expected IBK seasons offer the best protection. Vaccinate younger animals well ahead of weaning when they are most vulnerable.

Reducing Irritants and Fly Control

Prevent eye injuries, dust, pollen, sunlight irritation and fly exposure to minimize IBK triggers.

Install fans and misters in barns during summer
Avoid overcrowding and poor ventilation

Place cattle feed bunks and water troughs under shade
Keep pastures clipped to 6-8 inches tall
Use fly tags, pour-ons and off-site back rubbers during fly season

Apply fly-repellent face paint

Quarantine New Animals

Isolate and observe newly purchased cattle or those returning from shows for at least 2 weeks before introducing them into the herd. This prevents importing infected animals that can trigger an IBK epidemic.

Prompt Treatment

Closely monitor your herd daily for pinkeye symptoms. Separate and treat any affected animals immediately to prevent spread. Even with preventive measures, IBK cases may sporadically occur. However early intervention minimizes how extensively it spreads through your herd.

Follow your vet’s advice on appropriate antibiotic usage to avoid antimicrobial resistance. Never treat cattle without an accurate IBK diagnosis and stop medication once their eyes appear normal.

Home Remedies to Avoid for Pink Eye

Don’t attempt treating cattle pink eye with any home cures. Some harmful or ineffective methods to avoid include:

Sugars and molasses rinses that can worsen corneal damage

Vinegar or apple cider vinegar rinses – too acidic for eyes
Colloidal silver sprays – unproven effects
Human antibiotic eye drops – incorrect dosing for cattle

Tea bags – lack antibacterial action
Milk – no antibiotic properties
Poultices – block medication absorption

Compresses – risk injury if the animal moves
Plant tinctures – unreliable effect
Essential oils – unsafe for eyes

Feed additives – unproven efficacy

Rely only on scientifically proven antibiotic therapy prescribed by your veterinarian. Never administer medications not labeled for use in cattle as it can lead to toxicity, residues, and antimicrobial resistance.

When to Call the Vet

Schedule an urgent farm visit if you spot these red flag IBK symptoms:

Sudden onset in numerous cattle
Reluctance to eat or drink
Dense corneal opacity covering the entire eye

Eye bulb protruding from the socket
Tears tinged with blood or pus
Discharge streaming from the eyes

Ulcers on the cornea
Rubbing eyes vigorously on objects

Such cases likely require prescription steroid/antibiotic eye drops or injections that exceed over-the-counter product strengths. Aggressive treatment also prevents “blindness” from severe corneal scarring. Catching IBK early maximizes the chances of a complete recovery.

Conclusion:

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis can’t always be avoided in cattle herds despite preventive efforts. However prompt treatment minimizes suffering and lasting eye damage in affected animals. Work closely with your veterinarian to establish effective IBK control and treatment protocols tailored to your herd’s needs.

Monitoring cattle vigilantly helps detect outbreaks quickly so cases don’t spiral out of control. With close attention and evidence-based treatment methods, cattle can bounce back from pink eye. Learn here more about cattle health.