14 however, the most practical treatment for penned cattle is early treatment with a long acting
intramuscular antibiotic. Prevention is by minimising the above mentioned risk factors.
2.5.2 Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis
Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis IBR is discussed under the syndrome Nasal discharge. Eye discharge may be one of the earliest signs of IBR with nasal discharge and coughing
becoming more prominent in later stages.
2.5.3 Ocular foreign bodies
Ocular foreign bodies, especially grass seeds or chaff, may have entered the eye from feed. Examination of the upper and lower conjunctival recesses, after applying good physical
restraint aided by sedation and, if available, suitable topical anaesthetic, enables removal of foreign bodies with tweezers. Topical antibiotics in the form of spray or ointment can be
applied to the eye, however, parenteral administration of long acting antibiotics is likely to be more effective and longer lasting.
2.6 Alopecia
Alopecia refers to loss of hair from the skin. Alopecia will most likely be a primary problem rather than secondary to a systemic problem. Its main impact is not on health but on the
aesthetic appearance of the cattle, and its effect on hide value and acceptability at destination. Differentiating alopecic lesions as to whether they are discrete or diffuse, limited
or extensive and whether they are accompanied by changes in colour and conformation of the underlying skin will give clues as to the cause.
Alopecia in shipboard cattle is likely to be caused by: • ringworm
• urine and faecal scalding • stephanofilariasis
• dermatophilosis • pseudolumpy skin disease
2.6.1 Ringworm
Rubbing against fomites and other infected animals causes these lesions mainly to affect the head and neck. Outbreaks are difficult to stop and time for hair to regrow can be long
treatment. Early detection followed by isolation, disinfection of facilities and treatment are required to minimise impact. Treat with imidazole spray. Expect severely affected cattle to be
rejected at some destinations.
2.6.2 Urine and faecal scalding
Continual wetting, maceration and excoriation of the skin of the lower legs and flanks continually coated by urine and faeces may cause patchy alopecia in these areas in
individual or groups of animals. Animals that spend a lot of time lying down are most susceptible. The condition may be associated with Dermatophilus congolensis infection in
which case treatment with antibiotics may be warranted. No treatment is available for urine and faecal scalding other than ensuring animals are in clean and dry pen conditions.
15
2.6.3 Stephanofilariasis
Stephanofilarial lesions are the scars resulting from a skin worm transmitted by buffalo fly bites. These dry flaky discrete lesions occur around the eyes and ventral neck but may
extend over the lateral neck, thoracic and abdominal skin. They will have been acquired in the weeks or months before loading. On board treatment is usually impractical. Treatment
with macrocytic lactones may cause some resolution over weeks or months but some scars may be permanent.
2.6.4 Dermatophilosis
Prolonged wetting, high humidity and temperature predispose to this bacterial exudative dermatitis with scab formation. Extensive matting of hair occurs. Alopecia develops if the
scabs are pulled or rubbed off. In live export cattle alopecic lesions affecting the skin of the lower legs and flanks, the areas which are continually wet when standing or lying down, may
be due to dermatophilosis or faecal and urine scalding and excoriation. Treat severe cases with antibiotics but expect recurrence if wet, humid conditions persist.
2.6.5 Herpes virus pseudolumpy skin disease
