by A.J. Tarpoff, DVM, MS, Beef Extension Veterinarian
Pinkeye (Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis) can be a costly disease for cattle producers during the summer and early fall in Kansas. Understanding the cause, signs, treatment, and prevention of this disease can go a long way in reducing pain and discomfort for the cattle as well as help the productivity of the cattle operation.
Cause: Pinkeye is a multifactorial disease that is often initiated by direct irritation to the cornea followed by bacteria invading the lesion. Moraxella bovis has long been considered the key pathogen in pinkeye cases, however, other bacteria such as Moraxella bovoculi, Mycoplasma bovis, and Mycoplasma bovoculi have been implicated as well. Factors that can contribute to the disease are as follows: Continue reading “Managing Pinkeye During Summer Months”