By Jake Galbreath and Lacey Quail
While grazing summer pasture is generally celebrated among cattle producers, this time of year also comes with a greater incidence of pinkeye in cattle as the summer progresses.
Pinkeye is an infection that causes inflammation of and irritation to the surface of the eye (cornea) and the tissue on the inside of the eyelid (conjunctiva), explains Jake Galbreath, North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist.
It is often caused by bacteria (Moraxella bovis and Moraxella bovoculi); however, Mycoplasma species and viral pathogens like infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and bovine viral diarrhea can also be responsible. If left untreated, pinkeye can lead to blindness and can spread within the herd, resulting in decreased productivity and increased economic loss.