Articles from AHD sponsor Addison Biological Laboratories provide information about how we should now manage pinkeye. Starting with a historical perspective helps.
This is what we know:
- Pinkeye is a painful cattle disease that can reduce weaning weights as much as 17 lbs. to 65 lbs. per animal.
- Pinkeye is a multifactor disease. Once it begins to spread through a herd, control and containment are difficult
- Controlling fly populations is critical. Fly tags help, but require rotation, proper timing
- Vaccination helps, but multiple strains of Moraxella sp. can be problematic
- Some producers have used feed additives that contain CTC (chlortetracycline). This is somewhat effective, but off-label
NEW considerations for today:
- CTC use is now governed by the VFD. Veterinarians must confirm that the intended use complies with product labels before writing a VFD order
- Fly tags are often applied at branding, as many as 60 days prior to fly season. This compromises tag efficacy. Tagging cows is more effective than tagging calves. Tagging both is best.
- Vaccines are now available for bovis and the emerging strain, M. bovoculi. Link.
- Addison Laboratories indicates ongoing research suggests that when bovoculi is combined with M. bovis it can increase disease severity.
Source: World’s first commercial Moraxella bovoculi vaccine now available, Animal Health Digest, March 2017, Link.
Also see: Control flies, prevent disease, Dairy Herd Management, April 4, 2018, Link.
Also see: Parasites & pinkeye: Here’s what we can do, Beef, April 1, 2018, Link.
Also see: How to prevent & treat pinkeye in cattle, Beef, April 2, 2018, Link.
INSIGHTS: NOW is the time to talk pinkeye! Share this post with dairy and beef producers, 4-H and FFA members.
- No off-label CTC.
- Tag cows and bulls first, then calves.
- Two disease strains affect vaccine efficacy.
- New bovoculi vaccine is available.
Encourage customers to use the latest approaches to get the most value from pinkeye prevention and treatment protocols.