Molecular analysis revealed a diverse ocular surface bacterial population. In addition to the normal flora, various potentially pathogenic bacteria were identified. The detection of known pathogens in both normal and dry eyes, with minimal signs of infection, presents a diagnostic dilemma. It remains unknown whether their presence is associated with inflammation and reduced goblet cell density or whether they adversely affect the ocular surface predisposing it to abnormal microbial colonization. In the absence of overt clinical infection, it is unknown whether such results should prompt intervention with therapy.

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SUMMARYLesions of a contact dermatitis have resulted in serious downgrading of broiler carcases in the Northern Ireland poultry industry. A longitudinal survey was initiated to identify the important epidemiological factors involved in the occurrence of the condition. The results from the analysis of data from 986 flocks containing 12.6 million birds over a 2 year period, have quantified the effects which the major aspects of production have on the incidence of the condition in individual flocks. The stocking density, feed manufacturer, average age of removal and the sex of birds all had a profound effect. Lesions were more frequently recorded in flocks during the winter months and a strong correlation with the weather variable, relative humidity, obtained. Individual producers and houses varied in the incidence of the condition which was closely associated with the presence of poor litter conditions in the flocks.

A computensed database containing information on over 17.8 nullion salmon contained within 49 separate marine populations was used to study the epidemiology of pancreas disease (PD) in Ireland. Of the 43 recorded PD outbreaks, 57 % occurred in the 3 mo period August to October inclusive (17 to 32 wk post-transfer). Analysis of variance of mortality rates during PD outbreaks occurring on 6 marine sites over a 5 yr period showed that mortality rates vary significantly between sites (p < 0.001) but not between years over this time period. The mortality rate during PD outbreaks ranged from 0.1 to 63%. Mortality rates were significantly higher when PD outbreaks occurred earlier in the year (y = -1.28~ + 59, SE of b 0.33). The mean length of a PD outbreak was 112 d (SE = 7.7, n = 37). There was no correlation between PD mortality rate and smolt input weight, initial stocking density and transfer mortality.

Purpose Large variations in results of diagnostic tests for mild to moderate dry eye are widely recognised. The purpose of this study was to assess if there was concordance between common dry eye diagnostic tests. Methods A total of 91 subjects were recruited to the study. The tear film and ocular surface were evaluated using the phenol red thread test, tear break up time (TBUT), biomicroscopic examination and impression cytological (IC) assessment of conjunctival goblet cells. Dry eye symptoms were assessed using McMonnies questionnaire and statistical correlations between all tests were assessed. Results This study cohort did not include severe aqueous deficient dry eye patients as determined by the phenol red thread test (PRT). A statistically significant difference was noted between PRT results and all other tests (***P ≤ 0.001). Only meibomian gland pathology, McMonnies questionnaire, reduced goblet cell density and TBUT (≤7 seconds) demonstrated correlation determined by McNemar’s test. Conclusion A correlation was only found between tests assessing lipid/mucous deficiency (meibomian gland evaluation, goblet cells density, TBUT, and McMonnies questionnaire).