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Eye Cancer Of Cattle

Eye cancer or malignant tumour is a common condition of the eyeball or eyelid of cattle. It is most common in Herefords or their crosses and is most likely to be seen in older cattle. It is rarely seen in other breeds.

By Department of Primary Industries - 26th April 2006 - Back to News

Australian climatic conditions, with excessive solar radiation, contribute to a higher prevalence of eye cancer in this breed than in their natural environment in the Northern Hemisphere.

It is illegal to put cattle with malignant tumours, including eye cancers, into Victorian saleyards. It is also illegal to bring these cattle into Victoria without a licence. However, special conditions allowing the sale of cattle with very early stage cancers apply in saleyards.

The recommended method of disposal of cattle with small eye cancers is to send them direct to an abattoir. However, cancerous growths up to the size of a five-cent coin that are not bleeding or discharging may be sent to a saleyard for slaughter.

Cattle with eye cancers between the size of a five cent coin and a 20 cent coin (2-3 cm) that are not bleeding or discharging may go direct to an abattoir at the owner's risk of non payment. Otherwise, they must be treated or destroyed humanely on the farm. They must not go in, or near, a saleyard.

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, owners may face cruelty charges if they allow eye cancers to grow too large. In all cases, early detection and treatment or disposal is necessary. As cancer is a notifiable disease, owners should seek veterinary advice when in doubt.

Coloured cards showing various types of eye cancers are available to assist cattle producers deal with this disease. These are available from Stock Agents and DPI offices.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: support@gippsland.com

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