Since the 1970’s, Moraxilla bovis is accepted as the most common cause of traditional IBK (‘summer pinkeye’). The eye has a limited number of ways to respond to disease or injury clinical signs look the same for a variety of reasons. Mineral deficiencies involving selenium, copper and zinc have been diagnosed in recurrent IBK herd outbreaks. Cattle with white faces,except Brahman cattle, appear to have a higher incidence of IBK. Younger cattle are more susceptible to IBK than are older cattle. Other IBK associated factors include stress from shipping, processing, and insects which can all be immunosuppressive. UV irradiation (bright sunlight) causes cell damage to the conjunctiva and cornea.Blowing dust and sand, weed seeds/chaff.Physical trauma from aggression between animals, overcrowded bunks, self-feeders handling during transport abrasive bedding, grazing close to field margins where thorns, barbed wire and tufts of dry stalks of grass can scratch the cornea rust/corrosion and the sharp edges from galvanized handling systems and penning tail switching especially when crowded together under shade.Any form of eye irritation allows pathogens to penetrate the cornea: Normal eyes have adequate defense mechanisms to prevent infection and subsequent corneal ulceration. Cattle with scarred or ‘blue’ eyes with prolapsed corneas, or blind cattle have reduced value at the market. Suffering cattle have decreased appetite because of pain or decreased vision and the inability to locate food and water. IBK is costly and labor intense to treat. Others result in severe damage to the cornea and blindness. Corneal ulceration may occur as pinkeye progresses. Conjunctivitis is sometimes seen but not in every case. IBK may suddenly appear as an opaque spot on the cornea, making early recognition difficult. Tearing often increases as the pinkeye progresses. The first clinical signs of any eye irritation, including IBK, is often tearing, tear staining, and eyelid squinting. It is second only to calf scours, the most prevalent condition affecting pre-weaned calves (Dewell). IBK is reported as the most common cause of eye disease in all breeding females and calves more than three weeks old. It is a disease of cornea (eye surface) and the conjunctiva (eyelids). The scientific name for pinkeye is infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). Develop a treatment and prevention plan with input from your veterinarian. Be vigilant and immediately isolate the first case of pinkeye. Selenium, copper, and zinc are vital for maintaining eye health. Make sure mineral consumption is adequate months before the pinkeye season. Offer protection from the sunlight by providing adequately sized shade and allow cattle to graze at night when face flies are not active. Identifying and taking steps to resolve physical hazards in your operation, including face fly control, may be more effective than pinkeye vaccinations. ![]() ![]() Preventing traditional summer pinkeye in cattle involves eliminating the many eye irritations listed in this report.
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