In the News - May 2009
Pinkeye costs Arkansas cattle producers and industry annually
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Pinkeye is a serious problem in pre-weaned calves,
hitting cattle producers in the pocketbook, warned Dr. Jeremy Powell, associate
professor/extension veterinarian with the University of Arkansas Division of
Agriculture.
"Pinkeye is the second most prevalent disease issue affecting unweaned beef
calves over three weeks of age," he said. "The estimated loss to the U.S. beef
industry from the disease is an estimated $150 million annually."
The disease also hits producers in the pocketbook because of decreased weight
gains and poor performance, he said. The disease can leave cattle with scarred
corneas or a "blue eye", leading to discounts when marketed.
A recent study of more than 45,000 calves over a 20-year period indicated
that cattle that had suffered from pinkeye were an average of 20 pound slighter
at weaning, compared to healthy calves.
Pinkeye, caused by infectious bacteria, peaks during the summer months. Face
flies commonly transmit the disease. "The flies move from animal to animal
spreading the bacteria," he said.
Other factors contributing to disease onset include UV light, a dusty
environment and seed heads from tall grass.
"All cattle breeds are susceptible to pinkeye," Powell said, "but breeds that
lack pigmentation around the eye have an increased prevalence of this disease."
Initial symptoms include eyelid swelling and increased tear flow. As it gets
worse, the eye will turn red and the animal will squint. Inflammation of the
lining of the eye appears, and the cornea becomes cloudy and appears blue or
white. The animal becomes less productive.
Powell said producers should treat an infected animal as soon as possible.
Typical treatment targets the bacteria and provides protection to the affected
eye from further irritation.
Long-acting oxytetracycline is effective at killing the bacteria. It can be
injected under the skin of the neck at 4.5cc per 100 pounds of body weight.
Antibiotics can also be directly administered into the affected eye either by
topical application or by injecting them under the outer lining of the eye.
Multiple treatments may be required and could be repeated every three to four
days.
If the problem is severe, Powell recommends an eye patch to eliminate
repeated irritation by flies and environmental factors.
"Recovery from this disease can be slow, and occasionally the cornea may
retain a permanent discoloration," he said.
To prevent the disease, cattle producers should do all they can to control
the factors that contribute to the disease, Powell advised. Attempts should be
made to control fly populations with insecticides. Controlling flies with ear
tags, dust bags, sprays or pour-ons will limit the disease spread in a herd.
Mowing tall grass in the pasture and providing shade in the summer months is
recommended.
Vaccines are also available for use in preventing this disease. Some vaccines
require a booster dose to be effective during the first year of use.
For more information on cattle production, contact your county extension
agent or visit www.uaex.edu and select Agriculture, then
Beef. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
May 29, 2009
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
Related Link
Request an Interview
|
