ADVERTISING
Protect your investment this Spring with Piliguard for Pinkeye .
Pinkeye is a highly infectious bacterial disease of cattle that results in eye inflammation , ulceration , corneal scarring and possible blindness . Coopers Piliguard is the only vaccine available in Australia for the prevention of pinkeye . The vaccine works as an aid in the control of pinkeye caused by the bacteria Moraxella bovis .
The Disease : In Australia the most commonly isolated bacteria from cattle with pinkeye is Moraxella bovis .
Moraxella bovis is carried in the eyes of adult cattle - these cattle are not usually affected by pinkeye but they provide a source of bacteria to infect younger , naïve stock . Flies transmit the bacteria between cattle , and spread can also be by physical contact between cattle , as the bacteria will survive in eye and nasal discharges .
Once an animal is exposed to M . bovis the bacteria attaches to the cornea , reproduces and produces toxins which damage the surface of the eye , eroding the cornea and causing severe inflammation .
Pinkeye - Predisposing Factors :
Any factors that cause damage to the eye , or increase the exposure of animals to the bacteria , have the potential to increase the incidence of pinkeye in a herd . These factors include Flies ( spread the Bacteria ) as well as many other factors including Dust , grass seed , pigmentation etc
Costs of pinkeye :
A recent Meat and Livestock Australia ( MLA ) report estimates that the disease costs Australian beef farmers $ 23.5 million annually in lost production and treatment costs .
Prevention of Pinkeye :
Vaccinate animals with Piliguard , 2ml dose per head , 3-6 weeks before the onset of the pinkeye season
( Piliguard can be used on calves from 1 week of age ).
Piliguard is in stock at Macdonald Rural CRT .
Our Staff and our Coopers Rep is available to answer all your questions on how to manage your herd this Spring , which is shaping up to be ideal conditions for Pinkeye .
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