Cattle Producers Warned of Possible Pinkeye Outbreak
AUSTRALIA - Cattle producers throughout Queensland are urged to closely monitor their livestock, as conditions are ripe for a pinkeye outbreak.
26 November 2007
1 minute read
Veterinary Technical Advisor with Coopers Animal Heath, Dr Damian O’Brien, says, "At this time of year, and especially where cattle are being supplementary fed, the disease can quickly spread from animal to animal."
"A sudden increase in the fly population following storms can further spread the pinkeye bacteria (Moraxella bovis) from herd to herd."
Pinkeye is a highly infectious disease of beef and dairy cattle that results in eye inflammation, ulceration and possible blindness. The disease can appear sporadically and is notoriously difficult and expensive to treat.
O’Brien says younger animals are particularly susceptible, especially if they are under some form of stress.
"Weaning and transporting are two critical times where pinkeye can sweep through a herd, with serious productivity and animal welfare implications – besides the cost and anxiety of treating affected stock."
Source: Blues Country Magazine
