Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (pinkeye) causes painful corneal ulceration in cattle and is one of the most common and welfare-significant eye conditions in beef and dairy herds.
Pinkeye causes progressive ocular pain that significantly impacts cattle welfare. Eye pain causes photophobia — affected cattle seek shade and withdraw from herd social interactions. Corneal ulceration progresses to perforation in untreated cases, causing permanent structural damage and blindness. Chronically blind cattle have significantly impaired welfare through reduced ability to graze, navigate social hierarchies, and avoid physical hazards. Early detection and prompt antibiotic treatment prevents progression to blindness. Face fly control during summer reduces transmission and reduces infection pressure across the herd.