Bovine ocular squamous cell carcinoma: an epidemiological perspective.

Epidemiological studies on bovine ocular carcinoma were reviewed. Reports on the frequency and the distribution of the disease indicate that it is still a very prevalent and economically important disease. It is recognized throughout North America, but is more frequent in lower latitudes under range conditions. Etiological factors including ultraviolet light, circumocular apigmentation and viruses, as well as the pathogenesis, are considered in light of current knowledge on carcinogenesis of this tumor. It is likely that the induction of bovine ocular carcinoma is multifactorial and the precise roles played by each of the various factors are not yet understood.