Randomised Control Trial Comparing Cypermethrin-Based Preparations in the Prevention of Infectious Bovine...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Ophthalmology
• Bovine Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), caused by *Moraxella bovis*, is a common summer ailment in cattle, often spread by face flies.
• Effective control strategies are crucial for animal welfare and economic productivity in beef and dairy herds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of Cypermethrin pour-on (PON) versus Cypermethrin-impregnated ear tags (TAG) in preventing IBK cases.
• To assess the impact of IBK on Daily Live Weight Gain (DLWG) in cattle.
• To identify risk factors associated with IBK incidence.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 197 cattle divided into two treatment groups: PON (n=98) and TAG (n=99).
• Natural exposure to IBK was monitored throughout the grazing season (April-November 2018).
• Incidence of IBK cases and DLWG were recorded and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Fifty-four cases of IBK were recorded, with no significant difference in incidence between the PON and TAG groups (p = 0.362).
• Younger animals (under 12 months) and specific breeds (white-faced) were significantly more likely to develop IBK (OR 3.5, p < 0.001 and OR 2.3, p = 0.014, respectively).
• No significant difference in DLWG was observed between animals with IBK and those without (p = 0.739), nor between the treatment groups (p = 0.215).

Conclusions:

• Neither Cypermethrin pour-on nor ear tags demonstrated a significant advantage in preventing IBK under field conditions.
• Age and breed are significant factors influencing susceptibility to IBK.
• Further research may be needed to explore alternative or combination strategies for IBK prevention and management.