Content
Keratoconjunctivitis in cattle develops rapidly and affects most of the herd. Exacerbations occur in the summer-autumn period and cause damage to the economy, since recovered animals remain carriers of the pathogen. That is why it is necessary to recognize keratoconjunctivitis in time and begin its treatment in cattle.
Causes of keratoconjunctivitis in cattle
In cattle, infectious and invasive keratoconjunctivitis is most common. These diseases have similar symptoms, but their causes are different.
Infectious keratoconjunctivitis is an acute disease of the optic organ, accompanied by inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. It occurs spontaneously and affects up to 90% of the herd. The main reason for the onset and spread of the disease is weakened cattle immunity. In winter, the infection is transmitted by direct contact of animals with each other. In the hot season, insects contribute to this.
Other reasons that cause infectious keratoconjunctivitis include:
- depletion of the herd due to poor quality feed;
- lack of vitamins and minerals;
- high concentration of ammonia in pens;
- unsanitary conditions in the farmyard, accumulation of manure.
All these factors lead to the fact that the body's natural resistance decreases. He becomes vulnerable to all sorts of infections.
The root cause of invasive keratoconjunctivitis is helminths. The most common causative agent is calf nematodes. There are more than 32 species of this helminth, each specific animal may have different larvae. They settle in the conjunctival sac and cause inflammation. They live up to 10-11 months, after which they leave the eye, in their place young individuals appear.
Against the background of invasive conjunctivitis, purulent inflammation develops, therefore the disease is often called mixed. In this case, the first reason for its occurrence is parasites, and microbes are secondary inflammation.
Keratoconjunctivitis symptoms
The symptoms of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis are most often similar to catarrhal conjunctivitis or keratitis with ulceration. Few animals tolerate it mildly without corneal damage. The incubation period lasts from three to 11 days. In total, the disease in cattle lasts up to one and a half months. However, in more difficult cases, it takes up to 50-55 days to recover. All this time, the body temperature of cattle remains slightly elevated, but the general condition is depressed.
The main symptoms of infectious keratoconjunctivitis include:
- sluggish state of cattle;
- a sharp decrease in appetite;
- significant weight loss;
- slow growth of young animals;
- decrease in the quantity and quality of milk;
- swelling of the conjunctiva;
- lacrimation;
- spasm of the eyelids.
With the development of the disease, the swelling of the conjunctiva increases, it becomes red, the eyelids swell, they are painful when pressed. A purulent secret is separated from the eyes. After a few days, changes occur in the cornea. It softens, pus is observed. Outwardly, this is manifested by corneal opacity. Later, abscesses form, which burst on their own and turn into ulcers. As a result, complications arise that lead to complete blindness.
Invasive keratoconjunctivitis is manifested by severe lacrimation and eyelid spasm.After a few days, the inflammation intensifies, mucous discharge also, as a result, the eyelids are glued together with this mucus. Gradually, the secret becomes purulent, the cornea becomes cloudy, thickens and disintegrates. A large ulcer forms in the center, complete atrophy of the eye occurs. The clinical picture is very similar to infectious keratoconjunctivitis in cattle, which complicates the diagnosis. To accurately recognize the disease, you need to analyze and examine the contents of the conjunctival sac. Adult helminths or their larvae are found in it.
Treatment of keratoconjunctivitis in cattle
Treatment of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in cattle is complicated by massive herd damage. No specific treatments are known today. Many veterinarians offer symptomatic therapy, which consists in rinsing the conjunctival sac with antiseptic solutions, laying ointments. In some cases, intramuscular injections of penicillin are prescribed. This antibiotic gives the best results.
Treatment of invasive keratoconjunctivitis is primarily aimed at eliminating secondary infection. Worms and their larvae are removed from the conjunctival sac, washed with an antiseptic solution, boric acid. Further, treatment is continued according to symptoms.
Forecast and prevention
After recovery, complete restoration of vision is possible only occasionally, if the infection has not led to corneal atrophy. In most cases, the cattle are left blind.
It is noted that the rate of recovery is influenced by the conditions of detention and the season. In summer, the disease spreads faster and is harder to tolerate, complications most often occur.
To avoid an annual outbreak of the disease, you need to devote enough time to preventive measures. The livestock is examined once a month, all affected animals are isolated.
The room where livestock is kept is regularly disinfected, washed and cleaned feeders, drinkers, all equipment. In the hot season, do not allow the accumulation of flies and other carriers of parasites indoors. In addition, it is necessary to carry out deworming on time. Manure is kept separately from animals in specially prepared places, sprinkling it with bleach.
Conclusion
Keratoconjunctivitis in cattle is a dangerous disease that leads to complete blindness of the herd. The reasons for its occurrence are different, so there is no identical treatment regimen. To avoid damage, it is necessary to carry out preventive procedures on time and keep the cattle clean.
