Contents
Keratoconjunctivitis in cattle develops rapidly and affects most of the herd. Exacerbations occur in the summer-autumn period and cause damage to the economy, as recovered animals remain carriers of the infectious agent. That is why it is necessary to recognize keratoconjunctivitis in time and start its treatment in cattle.
Causes of keratoconjunctivitis in cattle
In cattle, infectious and invasive keratoconjunctivitis is most common. These diseases have similar symptoms, but the causes of their occurrence are different.
Infectious keratoconjunctivitis is an acute disease of the visual organ, accompanied by inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. Occurs spontaneously and affects up to 90% of the herd. The main reason for the emergence and spread of the disease is the weakened immunity of cattle. In winter, the infection is transmitted by direct contact of animals with each other. In the hot season, insects contribute to this.
Other causes of infectious keratoconjunctivitis include:
- depletion of the herd due to poor quality feed;
- lack of vitamins and minerals;
- high concentration of ammonia in the paddocks;
- unsanitary conditions in the barnyard, accumulation of manure.
All these factors lead to the fact that the natural resistance of the body is reduced. He becomes vulnerable to all sorts of infections.
The root cause of invasive keratoconjunctivitis is helminths. The most common causative agent is the telazi nematodes. There are more than 32 species of this helminth, each individual 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, young individuals appear in their place.
Against the background of invasive conjunctivitis, purulent inflammation develops, so the disease is often called mixed. In this case, the first cause of its occurrence is parasites, and microbes are a secondary inflammation.
Symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis
Symptoms of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis most often resemble catarrhal conjunctivitis or keratitis with ulceration. Only a few animals tolerate it mildly without damage to the cornea. The incubation period lasts from three to 11 days. In total, the disease in cattle lasts up to a month and a half. However, in more complex cases, recovery takes up to 50-55 days. 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 clouding of the cornea. 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 spasm of the eyelids. After a few days, the inflammation intensifies, the mucous secretions also, as a result, the eyelids stick 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 bovine keratoconjunctivitis, which makes the diagnosis difficult. 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 KRS
The treatment of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in cattle is hampered by the mass defeat of the herd. Today, specific treatments are unknown. Many veterinarians offer symptomatic therapy, which consists in washing the conjunctival sac with antiseptic solutions and applying ointments. In some cases, penicillin injections are prescribed intramuscularly. This antibiotic gives the best result.
Treatment of invasive keratoconjunctivitis is primarily aimed at eliminating secondary infection. Helminths and their larvae are removed from the conjunctival sac, washed with an antiseptic solution, boric acid. Further, the treatment is continued according to the symptoms.
Prognosis and prevention
After recovery, complete restoration of vision is possible only occasionally, if the infection has not led to corneal atrophy. In most cases, cattle remain blind.
It is noticed that the conditions of detention and the time of year affect the rate of recovery. In summer, the disease spreads faster and is more difficult to tolerate, most often complications occur.
To avoid an annual outbreak of the disease, you need to devote enough time to preventive measures. The livestock is inspected once a month, all affected animals are isolated.
The room where the livestock is kept is regularly disinfected, the feeders, drinkers, and all equipment are washed and cleaned. In the hot season, do not allow the accumulation of flies and other vectors of parasites in the room. 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 causes of its occurrence are different, so there is no identical treatment regimen. To avoid damage, it is necessary to carry out preventive procedures in time and keep the cattle clean.
