Livestock

Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis: Welfare and Treatment

Welfare guide to pinkeye (IBK) in cattle -- a painful ocular disease with significant welfare and productivity impact.

Key Facts

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK or pinkeye) is caused primarily by Moraxella bovis
It causes acute painful inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva -- affected animals blink excessively and show photophobia
Fly transmission is the primary route -- Musca autumnalis is the key vector in the UK
IBK is highly contagious and can affect large proportions of a group simultaneously
Untreated infections progress from conjunctivitis to corneal ulceration and perforation in severe cases
Vision loss -- temporary or permanent -- is a significant welfare outcome of severe disease
Prompt treatment with systemic antibiotics and topical oxytetracycline is effective and welfare-protective
Prevention includes fly control, vaccination, and prompt isolation of affected animals

Welfare Significance

IBK causes acute ocular pain and photophobia that significantly impairs cattle welfare and behaviour. Affected animals seek shade, become socially withdrawn, and may lose access to feed and water due to visual impairment. Prompt treatment is highly effective -- delay in treatment worsens both welfare and the risk of permanent vision loss.

What You Can Do

Inspect cattle eyes daily during fly season -- early detection enables prompt treatment
Implement fly control measures -- pour-ons, fly tags, and biological control during the fly season
Treat affected animals promptly with systemic antibiotic and topical oxytetracycline as directed by your vet
Isolate affected animals to reduce fly-vectored spread to the rest of the group