ERADICATION OF PULLORUM DISEASE 1931-32 75 



number of non-reacting flocks increased in seven counties, decreased in three, 

 and remained the same in one. It is encouraging to note that the percentage of 

 positive tests has decreased to less than 1 per cent and also that the number of 

 non-reacting flocks is increasing. 



SUGGESTIONS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE 

 OF PULLORUM DISEASE-FREE FLOCKS 



The efficiency and effectiveness of an eradication program are directly pro- 

 portional to the soundness of the eradication measures adopted and the manner 

 in which they are carried out. While it is true that programs should be designed 

 to satisfy local conditions, yet the fundamental disease eradication principles 

 must be identical for all localities. Although progress has been made in certain 

 states, there is still an urgent need for improvement and standardization of 

 some phases in the eradication of this disease, in order to promote a sound 

 program. Those concerned with eradication will agree that only the most re- 

 liable diagnostic test or tests should be employed. These should be adopted as 

 the standard and the official test or tests. Furthermore, only persons trained in 

 the proper field of work and competent to employ and to interpret such diagnostic 

 tests should be permitted to assume responsibility in an eradication program. 

 In some states elaborate programs are designed, but in actual practice, important 

 phases are sadly neglected. Control officials should be reluctant to accept 

 testing results from other states until a thorough investigation has been made, 

 not only of the printed program, but especially of the manner in which the 

 program is operated. 



In the majority of states, tested flocks are classified as to their disease status. 

 Although some controversy still exists, the majority of disease control oflScials 

 agree as to what shall constitute a puUorum disease-free flock, as determined by 

 the agglutination test. The most general regulation in estabhshing a disease- 

 free flock, is that the entire flock must pass two consecutive negative tests not 

 less than six months nor more than a year apart. Experience has shown that 

 flocks which have satisfied this requirement seldom, if at all, retain the infection. 

 In classifying flocks as to their disease status, there are in reafity only two classes 

 of flocks, namely, infected and non-infected. The latter is accepted as the safer 

 for breeding purposes. The infected group is further sub-divided in some local- 

 ities which maintain a distinction between untested flocks and tested infected 

 flocks. Some states even go so far as to classify flocks on the amount of infection 

 detected. It does not appear expedient to recognize and tolerate certain hmits 

 of infection because as long as the disease exists in the flock, any degree of trouble 

 may be expected in the progeny of such a flock. An effort should be made to 

 encourage poultrymen in every way possible to establish pullorum disease-free 

 flocks. Hence a term for pullorum disease-free flocks is highly desirable in order 

 that poultrymen may identify such flocks with the least amoimt of trouble and 

 uncertainty. The term " (Name of State) Accredited — Pullorum Disease-Free" 

 should be adopted to designate flocks free of this disease. Furthermore, the term 

 used to designate a pullorum disease-free flock should stand by itself and not be 

 masked by terms that designate breeding or laying qualities of a flock. The aver- 

 age poultryman today is confronted with a glossary of terms which is confusing 

 and misleading to him. Present circumstances suggest a revision and standard- 

 ization of such terms. '«y 



An effort should also be made to prohibit misleading or false advertising 

 concerning flocks. Official fists of pullorum disease-free flocks should be made 

 available to the public. Such lists will enable poultrymen to locate stock free 

 of this disease, as well as stimulate eradication efforts. 



