Pinkeye

Pinkeye causes weeping, cloudy eyes in livestock. The condition is painful and debilitating, leading to substantial production losses.

Pinkeye in cattle is caused by a different type of bacterium to pinkeye in sheep and goats.

Conditions when pinkeye is likely to occur

• Dusty conditions.
• Animals in close contact (during yarding or drought feeding).
• Summer grass-seed infected pastures.
  
  

Identifying and diagnosing pinkeye

Producers should suspect pinkeye in animals with weeping cloudy eyes. Pinkeye is infectious and can spread rapidly, especially if flies are active.

Prevention strategies for pinkeye

• Avoiding dusty conditions.
• Avoiding high-risk grass seed pastures.
• Vaccination.

Pinkeye can be treated with ointments, powders or sprays that are available from a veterinarian.

More information

• New South Wales Department Industry & Investment publication Pinkeye in cattle
• Department of Primary Industries Victoria publication Pink-eye in beef cattle

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