Pink Eye in sheep
Pink eye, also known as Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis or contagious ophthalmia, is a common eye disease in sheep. This bacterial infection can spread rapidly, especially during certain weather conditions like high winds and driving snow. It often affects large numbers of sheep when they are housed closely together or when there is competition at feeding areas.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Pink Eye 🩺
Pink eye can affect one or both eyes of the sheep. Early signs include reddening of the conjunctiva and forced closure of the eyelids, especially when exposed to bright sunlight. As the condition progresses, the surface of the eye may become cloudy, and severe cases can lead to ulceration. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical signs, but laboratory tests can confirm the presence of the causative bacteria.
Treatment of Pink Eye 💊
Treating pink eye involves isolating affected sheep and providing them with food and water to prevent starvation. A single injection of long-acting oxytetracycline is highly effective. In some cases, antibiotics may be applied directly to the eye, although this can be challenging to administer daily on a farm.
Prevention of Pink Eye 🛡️
Preventing pink eye involves providing shelter from harsh weather conditions and ensuring adequate space at feeding troughs to reduce close contact among sheep. Quarantining new stock before introducing them to the main flock can also help prevent outbreaks. Regular monitoring and quick treatment of any new cases are crucial to controlling the spread of the disease.