THIRTY -EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF PULLORUM 



DISEASE ERADICATION IN 3IASSACHUSETTS 



1957-58 



H. Van Roekel, Miriam K. Clarke, 



C. F. Smyser, and G. H. Snoeyenbos 



Department of Veterinary Scienee 



University of Massachusetts 



INTRODUCTION 



In the 1957-58 testing season 324 flocks were tested, which is slightly less than 

 the number tested in 1956-57. Likewise, fewer samples (1,040,027) were tested 

 than in the previous season. However, the percentage (0.0009) of positive tests 

 was significantly less than that (0.01) of the previous season. Pullorum reactors 

 were detected in only one flock which was classified as negative in 1956-57. At the 

 close of the season all tested breeding flocks were classified as negative. Of the 

 total birds tested 98.81 percent were found in 100 percent tested nonreacting flocks. 



The laboratory appreciates the fine cooperation it has received from the Massa- 

 chusetts poultry industry in striving to eradicate pullorum disease from its flocks. 

 It is hoped that this concerted effort may become more effective in the years ahead 

 to eliminate completely this disease from Massachusetts flocks. 



We also wish to express our appreciation for the continuous cooperation re- 

 ceived from the Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Massachusetts, 

 Massachusetts Department of Agriculture and other agencies. 



SUMMARY OF SERVICE RENDERED 



Flocks tested 324 



Chicken 269 



Turkey 26 



Pheasant 29 



Number of tests 1,040,027 



Chickens: 



Routine 1,006,013 



Experimental 11,100 



Fowl other than chickens: 



Routine 22,910 



Experimental 4 



Owners receiving necropsy service 30* 



Necropsies of reacting birds 66** 



* Includes one turkey and one pheasant flock. 

 ** Includes one turkey and two pheasants. 



