Investigation of the pathogens contributing to naturally occurring outbreaks of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (pinkeye) using Next Generation Sequencing

Dr. Lee Jones and Dr. Rebecca Wilkes, UGA Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Tifton, GA

 We need your Pinkeye Samples!

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) or pinkeye affects cattle worldwide and results in significant economic losses to the cattle industry. It is estimated that pinkeye losses can exceed $100 per incidence in beef cattle as a result of reduced weight gain, treatment costs, and discounted price per pound of body weight when the animal is sold at auction (Merck). Thus, the disease undoubtedly has a considerable economic impact in Georgia beef cattle.

We have received a grant to study cattle Pinkeye and the pathogens that are involved from the Agriculture Commodity Commission for Beef check off funds. However, we need farmer’s help to find enough cattle to sample. If you have pinkeye in your herd call Dr. Lee Jones, 229-386-3348 before you treat so we can get eye swabs collected. We can also help treat the calves. We can also work with you or your veterinarian to collect samples and arrange treatment.

Pinkeye is a clinical syndrome defined by a typical progression from a watery eye (epiphora), squinting (pain from sunlight), and redness (conjunctivitis) to an ulcerated cornea with cloudiness due to edema and inflammation, and the characteristic pink eye appearance as a result of infiltration of blood vessels along the outer edge of the cornea. In the worst cases, the resulting ulcer can extend through the cornea, allowing the iris to protrude through the ulcer or the eye may rupture completely, resulting in permanent blindness.

Moraxella bovis, a bacterium, is commonly recognized as a primary cause of IBK. The bacterium is highly contagious and easily spread through ocular and nasal discharges from cow to cow by direct contact or mechanical means (such as by face flies).

Diagnostic microbiology has relied on culturing the organisms involved. Culture will detect viable bacteria present in the sample, but in cases of sample mishandling, culture can be ineffective. Some bacteria can be difficult to isolate with routine culture methods and could potentially be missed. More recently, new molecular equipment (for next generation sequencing) has become available that is capable of producing an enormous amount of DNA sequencing data in a short amount of time. Additionally, diagnostics can be used to help determine the best course of treatment.