Agriculture Victoria is urging cattle producers to regularly check livestock for signs of eye cancer, a condition that can cause significant animal suffering and financial loss if left untreated.
Eye cancer, which typically affects the eyelid or eyeball, is most commonly seen in white-faced breeds such as Herefords.
The disease is associated with prolonged exposure to sunlight and typically begins as a small growth that gradually enlarges, potentially invading surrounding tissue and spreading to other parts of the body.
If undetected, eye cancer can result in animals being condemned at the abattoir, reduced productivity and breaches of animal welfare standards.
Prompt veterinary treatment or culling can significantly reduce the severity of the disease. Genetic selection also plays a role in prevention. Breeding cattle with pigmentation around the eye, particularly in the sclera and eyelid, can lower the risk of developing tumours.
When a tumour is found, the recommended course of action depends on its size and condition:
Small tumours (under 5-cent piece, clean and not flyblown) - animal may be sold through a saleyard for slaughter only;
Medium tumours (between 5-cent and 20-cent piece, clean and not flyblown) - direct sale to an abattoir is permitted; and,
Large or infected tumours (bleeding, flyblown, or larger than a 20-cent piece) - animal must be disposed of on-farm or sent to a knackery. Failure to act appropriately may result in prosecution under the Livestock Disease Control Act or the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
A photographic guide to assessing eye cancers is available from Agriculture Victoria. For further advice, producers can contact their local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria animal health officer.