A comprehensive guide to IBK (pinkeye) in cattle, covering pathogens, welfare assessment, treatment protocols, and prevention.
Key Facts
IBK is the most common ocular disease of cattle worldwide
Moraxella bovis is the primary pathogen; Moraxella bovoculi is increasingly recognised
Face flies (Musca autumnalis) are the primary mechanical vector
Corneal ulceration can progress to perforation and permanent blindness
Both eyes may be affected causing severe welfare compromise and production loss
UV light exposure worsens discomfort and corneal damage in affected animals
Welfare Considerations and Management
Comprehensive IBK management requires rapid clinical assessment of severity and appropriate treatment. Mild cases (superficial ulcers) respond to topical antibiotics. Moderate to severe cases require systemic antibiotics (oxytetracycline, florfenicol, tulathromycin). Eye patches protect from sunlight and flies, improving healing rates. Veterinary procedures including subconjunctival antibiotic injection or temporary tarsorrhaphy (eyelid suturing) may benefit severe cases.
What You Can Do
Implement early treatment before corneal ulcers progress to perforation
Control face flies with pour-on products and fly traps during summer
Apply eye patches to reduce light exposure and fly contact in affected animals
Vaccinate in endemic situations to reduce herd-level disease burden