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While most prevalent during warmer months, crowed conditions in sheep barns and enclosures during winter increase the risk of animal-to-animal transfer of pinkeye bacteria.
Pinkeye, called infectious keratoconjunctivitis, is most frequently caused by one of two bacteria. Chlamydia psittaci (ovis) and Mycoplasma conjunctiva are the culprits behind most cases of pinkeye in sheep.
Moraxella bovis is a common cause of pinkeye in cattle. Different bacteria are responsible for pinkeye in sheep. There is no vaccine available for use in sheep and other small ruminants.
Source: Countryside, January 3, 2022. Link. Crowded barn conditions can lead to an outbreak of pinkeye. Not only is the close contact of the animals a trigger, but the lack of good ventilation and increased dust help transfer the bacteria from one animal to the next. Flies are vectors and can carry the bacteria between animals.