Download New Forest Eye in Cattle

Langford Veterinary Services / Farm Animal Practice
New Forest Eye
in Cattle
New Forest Eye (also known as pink eye) is an eye infection of cattle. It is caused
by the bacteria Moraxella bovis. Cattle of any age can become infected, but is
most commonly seen in youngstock in the summer months. The disease is highly
contagious, with flies being able to transmit the infection between individuals.
Signs
• Cloudy surface of the eye
• Eye ulceration
• Squinting and closing of the eye
• Increased tear production/discharge from the eye
• Eye reddening.
Advanced stage of New Forest Eye
with deep eye ulceration, cloudiness
and reddening of the eye (image
courtesy of NADIS)
In severe advanced disease animals can become blind if both
eyes are affected or the eye may rupture.
This disease is often confused with Silage Eye (particularly if diagnosis is delayed), caused by a
bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes. This infection occurs via a different route and thus requires
alternate treatment.
Treatment
It is essential to treat individuals early to prevent irreversible damage to the eye
occurring. Topical treatment with antibiotic eye ointment is usually effective if
administered early.
Prevention
Good fly control (ear tags and pour-on insecticides) and pasture management
is essential in reducing exposure of cattle to flies which can transmit the
disease. Keeping cattle off high risk pastures in the summer months (low lying,
wet pastures with a high fly population) can play a big part in reducing this risk,
but is never absolute.
Here to help
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Get in touch
Call us on
01934 852650
Email us
[email protected]
www.langfordvets.co.uk
Langford Veterinary Services Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Bristol