Farm Talk

Livestock

July 13, 2010

Pinkeye popping up in Ark. cattle

by Mary Hightower CNHI

Parson, Kansas — Reports of pinkeye are popping up and Arkansas cattle producers need to watch their herds closely, said Tom Troxel, associate department head for Animal Science with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Pinkeye, or Moraxella bovis, is usually acute and spreads rapidly in a herd. Left untreated, it can result in blindness in one or both eyes. Pinkeye is reported most frequently in young animals, but can affect cattle of any age.

“The first symptoms of pinkeye are cloudiness of the cornea, followed by one or more small ulcers in the cornea,” Troxel said. “After 48 to 72 hours in severe cases, the entire cornea may be opaque, blinding the animal in that eye.”

Troxel said it’s critical to determine that the ulcers are due to an infection and not caused by a foreign body or parasites.

“Contact your local veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment,” he said.

One clue for cattle producers is the color of the cornea as the disease progresses. A milky white or yellowish cornea can indicate severe infection, where a bluish cast may indicate other causes.

Producers should separate the infected animals to prevent its spread.

“Temporary isolation and preventive treatment of animals newly introduced to the herd may be helpful, because some of these animals may be carriers,” Troxel said.

Producers should try to reduce some of the factors that can cause and spread the infectious version or exacerbate existing eye problems, such as controlling face flies with dust bags or insecticide tags or providing shade to reduce exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Other factors that can initiate or worsen eye problems include a dry, dusty environment; shipping stress; bright sunlight; and irritants such as pollens, grasses.

For additional strategies for managing herd health, contact your county extension agent or visit www. uaex.edu.

The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Text Only
Livestock
  • Specialist offers tips on buying bulls

    Cow-calf producers, it is time to start looking at purchasing the next herd sire. Understanding all segments of the beef cattle industry your calves will pass through is important in selecting the next herd sire

    February 7, 2012

  • War of attrition continues in the beef business

    Cattle prices are at record high levels and will push even higher in 2012 and beyond. Retail beef prices are increasing and will push higher but it is uncertain how much and how fast.

    February 7, 2012

  • Homework pays off when shopping for bulls

    It is important for cow-calf producers to look in to the future five or more years to imagine what they will be doing with the cattle they produce. Will they be producing a feeder calf sold right off the cow? Will they be retaining ownership on the calf through to slaughter? Will they be selling seedstock either purebred or commercial?

    January 31, 2012

  • Cow-pieology 101: The straight poop on cattle nutrition

    Cow pies serve an important purpose: they’re an indicator of bovine health and hay quality. A quick look at a fresh cow pie gives the trained observer a good idea of a cow’s diet and general health.

    January 24, 2012

  • Improved breeding helps meet demand for high quality beef

    With better genetics, Missouri beef producers can help supply the growing demand for high-quality beef according to MU specialist.

    January 24, 2012

  • Uniformity a worthy goal in cattle herds

    There’s no doubt when it’s time to market cattle, a uniform set of calves, stockers, finished cattle or bred heifers attract more buyer interes.

    January 17, 2012

  • dave_lalman_13_fixed.jpg Specialist discusses limit-feeding hay

    Limit-feeding hay, reducing hay waste and feeding an ionophore can decrease winter hay needs by a third.

    January 17, 2012 1 Photo

  • Specialist discusses limit-feeding hay

    Limit-feeding hay, reducing hay waste and feeding an ionophore can decrease winter hay needs by a third.

    January 17, 2012

  • Pondering the cattle price climb

    The question isn’t whether or not cattle prices will climb higher in 2012.
    The question is, how high will they go?

    January 17, 2012

  • Don’t let salmonella sneak in the herd

    The clinical signs of Salmonella are easy to identify —sudden weight loss, weakness, fever, diarrhea and dehydration. While these symptoms signal clinical Salmonella on your dairy, they are only the tip of the iceberg.

    January 10, 2012