By Sherry Hoyer and Chris Clark
As herds are being turned out on pasture across the state, most calves will get an immunity boost for select diseases through a vaccination program. However, as Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist Chris Clark explained, “Arguably the most common health nuisance on pasture, pinkeye, doesn't have an easy vaccine solution with consistent efficacy. In part, this is because pinkeye is complicated, involving multiple bacterial strains and risk factors.”
The solution is prevention and early intervention.
Prevention points
- Reduce corneal irritants. The cornea provides a protective layer over the eye, and when it is healthy, bacteria cannot attach. Irritants that damage the cornea allow bacteria to colonize and infection to occur. Common irritants on pasture include UV light, seedheads and dust.
- Control fly populations. Flies contribute to cornea irritation, but the primary role of flies in regard to pinkeye is carrying the bacteria from one animal to the next, and facilitating transmission. Because flies can travel distances, the adage "your fly control program is only as good as your neighbor’s" bears truth. But by taking steps in your herd, populations can still be significantly reduced. Multifaceted approaches are the most effective.
Source : iastate.edu