Peak pinkeye risk period approaches
Summer is a common time for outbreaks of pinkeye in sheep and cattle and the Riverina Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) vets have already received reports of the disease occurring in the area.
Pinkeye is a painful and debilitating disease that can cause significant condition loss, occasionally permanent blindness and even death through misadventure. It is a significant animal welfare concern and affects the productivity and returns of farms where the disease occurs.
Gabe Morrice, district vet with the Riverina LHPA in Narrandera, says the disease affects both sheep and cattle, however the bacteria involved is different.
"Pinkeye in cattle is generally caused by bacteria called Moraxella bovis, and is more likely to occur when there is increased sunlight, dust and flies. In sheep, the disease is usually less severe and is caused by a number of bacteria, the most common of these being Chlamydia (which also causes lameness and arthritis in lambs)," said Dr Morrice.
"The disease in sheep occurs throughout the year and it is often observed when sheep are grazing on feed that irritates their eyes (e.g., cereal stubble paddocks, hay, root grass, tall lucerne, feeding around thistles). These same feeds can also potentiate the disease in cattle."
Dr Morrice said a vaccine exists for preventing the disease in cattle, but unfortunately not for sheep.
"Although the cattle vaccine does not cover every strain, many producers have had good results with it when used correctly. As the vaccine needs time to create an immune response, it won’t be effective if used during an outbreak," she said.
"It is recommended that cattle should be vaccinated 3 to 6 weeks prior to the onset of the pink eye season.
"Other preventive measures include avoiding yarding cattle in dry, dusty conditions; removing affected animals from the group quickly to prevent further spread; and fly control, particularly in summer.
"When the disease is already present there are a number of treatment strategies that are recommended. Antibiotic therapy is one option and it is given either as a topical treatment or an intramuscular injection, or both. In cattle it is also recommended to protect the eye from light, dust and flies by applying a patch over the eye."
Veterinary advice should be sought when the disease occurs as the treatments required can only be obtained through a veterinarian.
If your stock are pinkeye affected or for more information, contact your local Riverina LHPA district vet or private practitioner.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378