DPI District Veterinary Officer, Jeff Cave, said eye cancer was a tumour of the eyelid or eyeball most commonly seen in white faced cattle such as Herefords, Poll Hereford and white-faced Friesians.

“The tumour begins as a tiny growth and steadily increases in size. It may invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body,” Dr Cave said.

“The severity of eye cancers can be reduced by the early identification of growths and prompt veterinary treatment, so check eyes whenever cattle are gathered for other routine procedures.

“The incidence can be reduced by genetic selection - by selecting animals with pigmentation in the sclera ‘white’ of the eye and eyelid and to resolve never to breed from affected or treated animals.”

Dr Cave said the course of action that should be followed depended largely upon the size and severity of the cancer.

If the owner elects to cull the animal, strict guidelines must be followed in relation to consignment and slaughter. If the tumour is bleeding, infected, flyblown or larger than a 20 cent piece the animal must be immediately humanely destroyed on farm and appropriately disposed of.

“Owners in doubt should contact their local veterinarian or DPI veterinary or animal health officer immediately,” Dr Cave said.

“Eye cancers may cause losses to producers due to condemnation at the abattoir and loss of potential production of affected stock, and also suffering in cattle if left unchecked,” Dr Cave concluded.