“Warm weather brings on environmental factors that can lead to pinkeye in cattle,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Pinkeye can lead to reduced cattle performance, which negatively impacts cattle operation profitability. Davis will discuss management strategies to reduce cattle herd incidence of pinkeye.
“The main culprit bacteria that causes pinkeye is Moraxella bovis,” says Davis. Face flies irritate the eye and transmit the bacteria causing pinkeye. Therefore, face fly control will reduce pinkeye incidence. Control methods include backrubbers, dust bags, insecticide products and oral larvicides. As fly populations increase, Davis suggests cattle producers implement the best fly control methods to reduce herd issues.
“Plant material and dust can irritate the eye and contribute to pinkeye problems,” says Davis. During grazing of mature cool season grasses, seed heads can irritate the eye leading to pinkeye. Also, a dry dusty environment can irritate the eye leading to pinkeye. Davis suggests cattle producers clip pastures to reduce seedheads, eye irritation and incidence of pinkeye. Furthermore, this management strategy also resets those pastures leading to regrowth of better-quality forage.
“Large animal veterinarians can provide pinkeye prevention and treatment strategies,” says Davis. Vaccines are available or can be developed with veterinarian help to reduce pinkeye issues. Furthermore, if issues arise veterinarians can help with treatment plans for the best possible outcome. Davis suggests working with a large animal veterinarian to implement preventatively and or treatment strategies to reduce issues.
For more information on management strategies, to reduce cattle herd pinkeye issues contact your local MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist.
