ERADICATION OF PULLORUM DISEASE 1931-32 



69 



monthly tests were necessary to obtain a negative test. He regarded retesting 

 of a flock as advisable only when considerable breeding and trapnesting was 

 being practiced. 



Source of Data 



The data presented in this report were collected from the routine testing 

 records of flocks in which intensive and annual testing procedures have been 

 followed. Introduction of new stock, incomplete information as to number of 

 birds tested as compared to the flock total, changing of testing procedure from 

 year to year, and intermittent testing were factors which limited the selected 

 number of flocks. The data apply to flocks whose testing histories were accurately 

 known over a period of 2 consecutive years. The flocks selected were divided 

 into five groups, with the basis for grouping as follows: 



Group A — Intensive testing. Flock 100 per cent, i.e., all birds on premises, 

 tested on each test, retested at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks, until negative. 



Group B — Intensive testing. Flocks 100 per cent tested on each test, retested 

 at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks, but not retested until negative. 



Group C — Intensive testing, pen method. Flock 100 per cent tested on first 

 test and infected pens retested at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks until negative. 



Group D — Intensive testing, partial flock testing. Flock not 100 per cent 

 tested, part of flock retested at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks, but not retested until 

 negative. 



Group E — Annual testing. Flock 100 per cent tested annually. 



Table 26 shows the data concerning the difl'erent groups over a period of 

 2 years. 



Table 26 — Summary of Comparative Data on Intensive and Annual Testing 

 For a Period of Two Years 



Discussion 



In comparing the average percentages of infection of the first year with those 

 of the second year, it is evident that Groups A, B, and C, representing flocks in 

 which an intensive testing procedure was followed, were more successful in 

 eradicating the disease than Group E, in which the annual testing procedure 

 was followed. While these intensive testing procedures were the most efficient, 

 the results obtained were in direct ratio to the thoroughness and completeness 

 of the procedure followed. Of the four groups that followed the intensive testing 

 procedure, groups A, B, and C, which tested 100 per cent of the birds, were more 

 successful in eradicating the disease than Group D, which practiced partial 

 flock testing. Annual testing and partial flock testing of infected flocks, as shown, 

 are of little value in the eradication of the disease. In Group A, first year, 8 

 flocks were negative on the second test, 5 on the third test, 4 on the fourth test, 

 and 1 on the sixth test. In Groups B and D, first year, the maximum number 



