Assessing and tackling IBK problems in dairy herds

The purpose of this review is to provide research updates re­lated to the pathogenesis and prevention of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK; pinkeye), and to review commonly recognized IBK risk factors. While there has been some prog­ress made in what we know about the pathogenesis of Moraxella species commonly associated with IBK, much is still poorly un­derstood about why Moraxella spp. which can be found in eyes of normal cattle, may or may not cause clinical IBK. Unlike beef cow-calf operations, dairy management practices present both challenges and opportunities when considering IBK preven­tion. Having an understanding of IBK risk factors and applying general principles of disease control can help practitioners sort out IBK problems in dairy cattle and develop more effective IBK control plans.