Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (pinkeye) causes severe ocular pain in cattle. Early detection and treatment are welfare priorities in all cattle management systems.
Pinkeye causes intense ocular pain — affected animals squint, produce excessive tears, and show light sensitivity that significantly impairs their daily functioning. The condition progresses rapidly without treatment, from conjunctivitis to corneal ulceration to perforation and permanent blindness. Each day of untreated infection represents a day of significant pain and growing risk of permanent damage. The welfare imperative is daily health observation that detects early cases, prompt veterinary treatment, and fly control measures that reduce transmission. Untreated pinkeye causing blindness represents a clear welfare failure.