Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Cattle: Flies and Pink Eye Prevention

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK, 'pink eye') is a painful and welfare-significant eye disease spread by face flies.

Key Facts

IBK is caused by Moraxella bovis spread by face flies between cattle
Clinical signs include severe corneal ulceration, photophobia, and excessive tear production
Untreated IBK can cause permanent blindness in affected eyes
Treatment with injectable or topical antibiotics is effective when given early
Fly control reduces transmission significantly during peak fly season

Welfare Considerations

IBK causes acute ocular pain and distress through corneal ulceration. Affected cattle hold affected eyes partially or fully closed and avoid bright light, severely limiting their ability to feed, socialise, and navigate. Prompt identification and treatment dramatically reduces welfare harm and prevents permanent blindness. Fly control is the most cost-effective prevention measure.

What You Can Do

Inspect cattle closely for early signs of IBK during fly season
Treat affected eyes promptly with appropriate antibiotics under veterinary guidance
Implement face fly control during summer as IBK prevention
Provide shade to reduce light exposure for affected animals during treatment
Record IBK incidence to assess fly control programme effectiveness