Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Contagious Ophthalmia Prevention

Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (pink eye) is a painful and contagious eye condition in sheep. Prevention through vaccination and fly control reduces flock-level suffering.

Key Facts

Mycoplasma conjunctivae and Chlamydia pecorum are primary causative agents
Flies are important transmission vectors during summer months
Outbreaks can affect 30-50% of a flock in severe cases
Affected sheep show eye discharge, cloudiness, and photophobia
Treatment with antibiotic eye ointment or systemic antibiotics is effective

Welfare Considerations

Sheep with active infectious keratoconjunctivitis experience significant eye pain - photophobia causes them to seek shade, reducing grazing time and food intake. Temporary or permanent blindness in untreated cases has major welfare consequences. Prevention through fly control, vaccination, and prompt treatment of affected individuals protects flock welfare.

What You Can Do

Implement fly control programs during summer to reduce transmission
Isolate and treat affected sheep promptly
Discuss vaccination options with a sheep vet in high-risk areas
Monitor flock for eye discharge as an early outbreak sign