Pink eye in cattle? Fight back

By Scout Nelson

A breakthrough approach to pinkeye prevention in cattle is showing impressive results, according to Kansas State University veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek. He emphasized the effectiveness of personalized vaccines, which are tailored to the specific bacteria found on each farm.

"These personalized programs using farm-specific bacteria could lead to fewer outbreaks," Hanzlicek noted, highlighting the shift from traditional methods to more customized solutions.

Commercial vaccines have long been available, but they often lack effectiveness against various bacterial strains causing pinkeye. This has led to the development of autogenous, or prescription, vaccines.

"An autogenous, or prescription, vaccine is where a veterinarian collects eye swabs from affected animals, and the bacteria found are sent to a lab where they grow that bacteria colony," Hanzlicek explained.

This process allows for the creation of vaccines that are highly specific to the pathogens present on a particular ranch, greatly enhancing their effectiveness.

The primary culprits behind pinkeye in cattle include bacteria such as Mycoplasma bovis and Moraxella bovis. Hanzlicek pointed out that both healthy and infected eyes often harbor the same bacteria, but it is the damage to the eye's cornea that precipitates infection.

"To have a pink eye case, something must break the integrity of the cornea. That allows those bacteria to enter the underlying layers of the eye, and that is when the infection starts," he stated.

The progression of pinkeye can be rapid and devastating, turning from mild to severe within just 2-3 days. Early detection is critical.

"The earlier these animals are caught, the more likely we will save the eye," Hanzlicek advised. Environmental factors such as face flies, drought-induced dust, and abrasive vegetation can exacerbate the risk of infection.

For prevention, Hanzlicek recommends that cattle producers stay vigilant about the environmental conditions and consult with a local veterinarian to determine the most effective pinkeye prevention strategy for their herd.

This tailored approach not only helps in controlling the disease but also supports overall cattle health and productivity on the farm.

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