Vaccines for Pinkeye in Cattle: A Vet’s Guide 2025
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👁️💉 Vaccines for Pinkeye in Cattle: A Vet’s Guide 2025
Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
In 2025, pinkeye (infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis) remains a top health challenge in grazing cattle—caused by bacteria like *Moraxella bovis* and *M. bovoculi* and worsened by flies, UV, and eye trauma :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. It can reduce weight gain, milk yield, and even cause blindness or economic loss.
📌 Commercial vs Autogenous Vaccines
Two options exist:
- Commercial vaccines are mass-produced, targeting *M. bovis* (and some include *M. bovoculi*), and must prove efficacy :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Autogenous vaccines are custom-made from bacteria cultured from your herd—tailored, but lack mandated efficacy trials :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
🧬 How Autogenous Vaccines Work
Your vet collects eye swabs early, cultures the bacteria (often *M. bovis*, *M. bovoculi*, or *Mycoplasma bovoculi*), and collaborates with a licensed lab to formulate a vaccine specific to your herd :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
The process takes 3–4 weeks, so it’s too late to skip the season—but useful for next year’s prevention :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
📊 Effectiveness Insights
- UW–Madison Extension reports commercial and autogenous vaccines target different pathogens; using both may be needed :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Merck’s Dr. Midla noted autogenous vaccines have failed in several trials, while commercial options showed more consistent results :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- K-State reports strong field success with autogenous programs, especially in mixed-strain outbreaks :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Beef Magazine highlights that autogenous often outperforms commercial when tailored to your outbreak strains—but timing is key :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
🗓️ Timing & Administration
Vaccinate 3–6 weeks before pinkeye season—typically April–May—for commercial vaccines targeting summer flies :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}. Autogenous vaccines require early diagnosis and quick culture turnaround.
Some commercial products need boosters; others are single-dose :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
🏥 Herd Management Integration
- Control fly pressure (tags, sprays, pasture rotation) :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
- Reduce dust and eye irritants—manage hay feeding and pasture dust :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
- Conduct early treatment on cases to limit spread :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
- Consider paired commercial + autogenous vaccine use in severe years.
- Work with your vet to swab cases and update vaccine strains annually :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
✅ Pros & Cons at a Glance
| Commercial Vaccine | Autogenous Vaccine |
|---|---|
| Pros: Proven efficacy, available in spring, lab-tested | Pros: Herd-specific, targets multiple strains, field-tested success |
| Cons: Limited strain coverage | Cons: Requires outbreak, takes time, no mandated efficacy trials |
💉 Veterinary Role & Recommendations
- Advise spring vaccination schedule and boosters.
- Coordinate early sampling and lab culture.
- Select appropriate vaccine(s) based on herd history and outbreak details.
- Train staff on injection protocols and biosecurity.
- Review yearly efficacy and plan updates.
📅 2025 Outlook & Strategy
Continue commercial vaccination in spring 2025. If pinkeye appears, swab promptly and prep for an autogenous vaccine for 2026. Combining vaccines and management strategies gives best protection.
📣 AskAVet® Support
Need help designing a pinkeye prevention plan, timing, or sample collection? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet App to connect with veterinary experts and create a comprehensive herd strategy. 💡🐾
© 2025 Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc | Proudly brought to you by Ask A Vet Blog
