Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis in Cattle: Pink Eye Management

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) causes painful eye disease in cattle with welfare and production impacts, requiring prompt treatment and prevention strategies.

Key Facts

Moraxella bovis is the primary causative agent, with M. bovoculi increasingly implicated
Flies mechanically transmit bacteria between animals, particularly face flies (Musca autumnalis)
UV light, dust, and grass pollen are environmental predisposing factors
Signs progress from excessive tearing and blepharospasm to corneal ulceration and blindness
Parenteral penicillin or oxytetracycline are effective first-line treatments
Eye patches protect ulcerated corneas from UV light and mechanical damage
Vaccination provides partial protection and is useful in endemic herds

Welfare Considerations

IBK causes significant ocular pain - affected cattle exhibit blepharospasm, photophobia, and behavioral changes indicating discomfort. Corneal ulceration is visibly painful and can progress to rupture, causing permanent blindness. Prompt treatment dramatically reduces suffering duration and prevents permanent vision loss. Management systems that enable early detection (twice-daily observation, individual animal monitoring) and prompt treatment significantly improve welfare outcomes compared to delayed recognition in large extensive operations.

What You Can Do

Check cattle daily for early eye disease signs: tearing, blepharospasm, eye clouding
Treat affected animals promptly with appropriate antibiotics - don't delay for 'watchful waiting'
Apply eye patches to ulcerated eyes to protect from UV and mechanical damage
Implement fly control programs during peak IBK season to reduce vector transmission
Consider vaccination in herds with endemic IBK problems
Move affected animals to shaded, low-dust environments during recovery
Consult your vet about treatment protocols and antibiotic selection to maintain stewardship