Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Welfare and Pinkeye Prevention

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (pinkeye) causes significant eye pain in affected cattle. Prevention through vaccination, fly control, and pasture management reduces this welfare burden.

Key Facts

Pinkeye is caused by Moraxella bovis and related bacteria
Face fly transmission is a major transmission route for pinkeye pathogens
Vaccination provides moderate protection against the most common strains
Dust, pollen, and UV light increase disease susceptibility
Early treatment with antibiotics prevents corneal damage and vision loss

Welfare Considerations

Pinkeye causes significant ocular pain and potential blindness in affected cattle. Prevention through fly control and vaccination, combined with early treatment, reduces this painful condition.

What You Can Do

Support farms with pinkeye prevention programmes including fly control
Advocate for pinkeye management to be included in cattle welfare standards
Learn about pinkeye prevention and treatment approaches
Choose beef and dairy from farms with verified eye health management