The phenol red thread tear test in large Psittaciformes

OBJECTIVE: To develop a standard method for measuring tear production in large Psittaciformes using the phenol red thread (PRT) tear test. To establish mean PRT tear test values in clinically normal pet birds and to assess the reproducibility of the test. ANIMALS: Two geographically distinct populations of healthy, large Psittaciformes (pilot study and study population). Species groups include: cockatoo (17), macaw (22), Amazon (10), African gray (1), eclectus (1) and pionus (1). PROCEDURE: The PRT was placed under the upper eyelid and both eyelids were held closed throughout the test. The PRT tear test was repeated after 2 months in the pilot study and after approximately 5 min in the study population. RESULTS: The mean PRT tear test values for the pilot study were OD=28.2 mm/15 s (+/- 6.3 mm), OS=24.1 mm/15 s (+/- 6.6 mm) and OD=25.4 mm/15 s (+/- 3.3 mm), OS=25.5 mm/15 s (+/- 5.2 mm), for the first and second visits respectively. The mean PRT tear test value for the study population was: OD=19.8 mm/15 s (+/- 4.3 mm), OS=20.1 (+/- 3.9 mm) and OD=20.0 mm/15 s (+/- 4.5 mm), OS=19.1 mm/15 s (+/- 3.3 mm), for the first and second tests respectively. There was poor repeatability between tests. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that the PRT tear test is a practical method for measuring tear production in large Psittaciformes, although adaptations to the established diagnostic method are necessary to overcome some anatomical differences present in birds. Good reproducibility of the PRT tear test could not be demonstrated in a clinically normal population of birds but geographic location appears to significantly influence results.     

Model of the probability of pest transfer from imported fruit,cut flowers or vegetable produce

A Euphresco project funded by the UK and the Netherlands had the objective of developing practical tools to assess the risk of pest transfer to domestic production from an imported commodity and to help provide an improved rationale for reduced frequency of plant health inspection. A model is described which calculates the probability, following arrival, of the transfer of insect or mite pests up to and including first egg laying, from produce (cut flowers/branches, fruits and vegetables). In case studies, probabilities were estimated for alternative states of seven variables from which a joint probability of transfer was calculated. The probability estimates were subjective but informed estimates and the large differences between the cases examined may represent a more realistic picture of comparative transfer risk than more qualitative approaches.