70 CONTROL SERIES No. 63 



of tests received by any one flock was 4 and the minimum number of tests was 2. 

 In Group C, first year, all flocks were negative on the second test. Of the 7,130 

 birds originally tested, 832 were retested. Although the pen method of testing 

 appeared satisfactory for the 3 flocks reported here, it is not to be considered as 

 efficient as the retesting of all birds on the premises. 



While the eradication of puUorum disease is primarily dependent on the de- 

 tection of all infected birds and their prompt removal from the breeding flock, 

 full cooperation of the owner in carrying out eradication measures is necessary 

 to prevent re-infection. 



Conclusions 



From the data presented, it can be concluded that: 



1. Intensive testing is more efficient than annual testing in the eradication 

 of pullorum disease from a flock. 



2. Testing of all the birds on the premises is more efficient than partial 

 flock testing. 



3. The most efficient testing procedure for the eradication of pullorum 

 disease from a flock is (a) to test all birds in the flock on each test; (b) to retest 

 at 4- to 6-week intervals until the flock has received at least one or more negative 

 tests. 



TESTING RESULTS FOR THE 1931-32 SEASON 



The testing data for the 1931-32 season show that the volume of work for 

 this past year has been greater than in any previous testing season. A total of 

 483 applications for testing was received. Twenty-one flock owners cancelled 

 their applications before the close of the season, and 462 submitted to the labo- 

 ratory 421,895 blood samples, which were tested. Upon the laboratory's request, 

 61 owners submitted reacting birds for necropsy. Such necropsies are considered 

 helpful in confirming the results of the agglutination test, especially in flocks 

 previously negative which reveal one or two reactors, and in flocks which reveal 

 only doubtful reactors. A few poultrymen, however, failed to comply; conse- 

 quently it was impossible for the laboratory to report a satisfactory diagnosis as 

 to the status of their flocks in regard to pullorum disease. Flock owners who 

 fail to submit reacting birds requested for necropsy are given a positive testing 

 report. In such cases the flock standing can be changed only by retesting the 

 birds. Hence owners are advised to send the birds to the laboratory immediately 

 upon receipt of the request, in order that the true pullorum-disease status of the 

 flock may be determined. The amount of service rendered during the past 

 year is shown in the following summary: 



Summary of Service Rendered 



Applications received 483 



Applications cancelled 21 



Flocks tested 462* 



Tests made 421,895 



Chickens: 



Routine 402,677 



Experimental 18,184 



Fowl other than chickens: 



Routine 384 



Experimental 650 



Owners receiving necropsy service 61 



Necropsies of reacting birds 117** 



* Includes seven flocks of poultry other than chickens. 

 ** Credit is due to Dr. Glen L. Dunlap, who assisted with the necropsies of the reacting birds 

 submitted to the laboratory. 



