Control Pinkeye is caused by a combination of factors. A good control program should incorporate procedures to reduce initial eye irritation. An intensive fly control program is essential to limit the spread of pinkeye in a herd of cattle. The new insecticide-impregnated plastic ear tags now on the market are effective in controlling the horn fly and face fly. These ear tags are also an aid in controlling the stable fly and house fly, and remain effective for up to 5 months.
Organophosphate insecticides are generally useful in killing face flies and related small flies.
Fencing water tanks to force cattle to use dust bags daily as they come in to drink is a practical method of fly control. Be sure to hang the dust bags low enough so the dust is applied to the face of the animal. Since some flies breed in the manure of cattle, feeding low levels of larvacides, such as phenothiazine, or the organophosphate preparations, such as Rabon, may be useful in limiting reproduction. As face flies are not limited to a specific farm, an area approach to fly control should be more effective. Cattle often have grass or weed seeds in their eyes, and these materials no doubt irritate the eye and contribute to the development of pinkeye.