How can a horse get pink eye?

Horses can get pink eye, also known as equine infectious conjunctivitis, through direct contact with an infected horse or through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. The infection is caused by bacteria or viruses that enter the eye and cause inflammation and irritation. Some common causes of pink eye in horses include:

- Bacteria: Bacteria such as Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are common causes of pink eye. These bacteria can enter the eye through a wound or abrasion, or they can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

- Viruses: Viruses such as equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), equine influenza virus, and adenovirus can also cause pink eye in horses. These viruses can be spread through the air, through contact with infected horses or animals, or through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

- Other causes: In some cases, pink eye can also be caused by allergies, trauma, or foreign objects in the eye.

Risk factors for pink eye in horses include:

- Close contact with infected horses: Horses that are in close contact with an infected horse are at an increased risk of contracting the infection.

- Exposure to contaminated surfaces or objects: Horses that are exposed to contaminated surfaces or objects, such as tack, equipment, or feed bowls, are at an increased risk of contracting the infection.

- Stress: Horses that are under stress are more likely to develop pink eye.

- Poor hygiene: Horses that are not kept in clean and sanitary conditions are at an increased risk of developing pink eye.