Prevention Is Key to Avoiding Pinkeye After Pasture Turnout

May 21, 2025

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

Video: Post-Weaning E. coli Control - Dr. Rodrigo Paiva

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Rodrigo Paiva, DVM and PhD candidate at Iowa State University, explains how post weaning colibacillosis has changed in recent years and why pathogenic Escherichia coli has become more important in swine production. He discusses virulence factors, diagnosis, whole genome sequencing, biosecurity, and practical strategies to reduce disease risk while improving herd health. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Pathogenic E. coli now behaves like a robust, well-equipped truck carrying multiple tools for post-weaning disease."

Meet the guest: Dr. Rodrigo Paiva / rodrigo-paiva-09364355 is a veterinarian and PhD candidate at Iowa State University specializing in swine health, veterinary epidemiology, and post weaning colibacillosis. After several years working in commercial swine production in Brazil, his research has focused on understanding pathogenic Escherichia coli and improving disease prevention in modern production systems. Listen to Dr. Rodrigo Paiva on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.