Evidence Base for Treatment of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Ophthalmology
• Animal Health

Background:

• Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) is a common bacterial eye infection in cattle.
• Effective treatment strategies are crucial for animal welfare and economic productivity in the beef and dairy industries.
• Current treatment options include registered antibiotics and non-antibiotic alternatives, with varying levels of supporting evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the evidence base for registered antibiotic treatments for IBK in North America.
• To review the evidence supporting non-antibiotic alternative treatments for IBK.
• To identify research gaps and propose strategies for generating more robust evidence on IBK treatment efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published literature on registered antibiotic treatments for IBK.
• Evidence-based assessment of non-antibiotic therapeutic interventions for IBK.
• Analysis of research methodologies and identification of areas for future investigation.

Main Results:

• Summarizes the current evidence for efficacy of registered antibiotic treatments for IBK.
• Presents findings on the effectiveness of non-antibiotic alternatives.
• Highlights limitations in existing research, particularly regarding comparative efficacy.

Conclusions:

• The evidence base for registered antibiotic treatments for IBK is summarized.
• Non-antibiotic alternatives show potential but require further research.
• Generating comparative efficacy data is essential for informed veterinary and producer decision-making regarding IBK treatments.