Pinkeye in Cattle
Pinkeye in Cattle
Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), commonly referred to as “pinkeye,” is a costly and highly contagious ocular disease of cattle. It arises from an initial insult to the cornea and subsequent invasion by bacterial pathogens, most notably Moraxella bovis, although other pathogens can play a role. Clinical signs can quickly progress from watery, red, painful, light-sensitive eyes to significant corneal ulcerations and blindness if left untreated. Pinkeye is multifactorial in nature and derives influence from the environment, pathogens, and host animal.
Economic Impact
It has been estimated that pinkeye affects over 10 million calves annually in the United States.1 Economic losses arise from reduced wean weights, slaughter weights, and treatment costs, which can easily exceed $100 per head.1
Understanding Pinkeye in Cattle
Learn more about the causes and signs of pinkeye and how to treat the disease.
Potential Risk Factors Contributing to Pinkeye
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Exposure to pinkeye pathogens
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Excessive eye irritation
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Nutritional deficiencies
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Poor fly control
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Poor environmental management (pastures, facilities, etc.)
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Ultraviolet light exposure
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Stress (heat, overcrowding, etc.)
Clinical Signs of Pinkeye
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Watery eyes
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Sensitivity to light
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Excessive blinking
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Redness
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Swelling
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White spot (ulcer) on the eye
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Cloudy/opaque eyes
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Corneal scarring
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Reduction or loss of vision
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Decreased appetite
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Weight loss
Treating Pinkeye
In addition to prompt control of contributing risk factors, early identification and treatment with an appropriate injectable antibiotic is critical to combating pinkeye. Norbrook® has several products to help you customize your plan of attack.
Control of Pinkeye
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Maintain an adequate nutrition and mineral program
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Control vectors (i.e., flies)
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Maintain as irritant-free environment as possible (tall grass, seed heads, dust, pollen, etc.)
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Provide shade from ultraviolet light
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Minimize stressors (overcrowding, etc.)
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Work with a veterinarian to consider a pinkeye vaccination program
References:
1 University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, 2007, Tennessee dairy cattle pest control profile, https://ipmdata.ipmcenters.org/documents/cropprofiles/TNdairycattle.pdf
Treating Pinkeye in Beef Cattle
Norbrook® offers a range of products to treat pinkeye in beef cattle.
Treating Pinkeye in Dairy Cattle
Oxytetracycline Injection 200 (oxytetracycline injection) can be used to treat pinkeye in dairy cattle.
Treating Pinkeye in Non-Lactating Dairy Cattle
Norbrook® offers a range of products to treat pinkeye in non-lactating dairy cattle.
Safety Information
Noromycin® 300 LA (oxytetracycline injection)
CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Observe label directions and withdrawal times. Not for use in lactating dairy animals. Adverse reactions, including injection site swelling, restlessness, ataxia, trembling, respiratory abnormalities (labored breathing), collapse and possibly death have been reported. Download product labeling here for full product information.
Oxytetracycline Injection 200 (oxytetracycline injection)
CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Observe label directions and withdrawal times. Adverse reactions, including injection site swelling, restlessness, ataxia, trembling, swelling of the eyelids, ears, muzzle, anus and vulva (or scrotum and sheath in males), respiratory abnormalities (labored breathing), frothing at the mouth, collapse and possibly death have been reported. See product labeling here for full product information.
Tulieve® (tulathromycin injection) Injectable Solution
CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR CATTLE: Do not use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows. Effects on reproductive performance, pregnancy, and lactation have not been determined. Tulieve® has a pre-slaughter withdrawal time of 18 days. Tulieve® should not be used in animals known to be hypersensitive to the product.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR SWINE: Tulieve® has a pre-slaughter withdrawal time of 5 days. Tulieve® should not be used in animals known to be hypersensitive to the product. See product labeling here for full product information.
The Norbrook logo, Noromycin and Tulieve are registered trademarks of Norbrook Laboratories Limited.
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