Reservoir: Cattle are the only known reservoirs for Moraxella bovis. The organism is located in the eyes and nasal cavities of infected cattle
Portal of Exit: Moraxella bovis exits the reservoir's body through secretions from the eyes and nasal cavities
Mode of Transmission: Moraxella bovis is transmitted when an animal comes in contact with a fomite or a fly that has been in contact with the infectious secretions. Transmission can also occur through direct contact with the infected cattle.
Example: A cattle coming in contact with the infectious nasal discharge while getting mineral from a mineral feeder.
Portal of Entry: Moraxella bovis enters the animal's body through their nasal cavities and eyes.
Susceptible Host: Cattle, Humans, Sheep, Dogs, and Horses
How can we control the transmission of the disease?: We can control the transmission of Moraxella bovis by isolating and treating the infected cattle. We can also try to lower the fly population around the barn through manure management.
Sources: Pinkeye - Oklahoma State University, Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis in Cattle and Small Ruminants - Merck Manual, Fact Sheet: Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis or “Pinkeye” in Cattle - University of Kentucky