Distribution of Tests and Reactors 



In Table 1 is given the distribution of tests and reactors by counties and by 

 breeds. Norfolk, Middlesex, and Plymouth Counties lead in the number of tests. 

 Only two counties had an increase in tests over the previous season, while the re- 

 maining counties showed a decrease. 



Among the different breeds tested, the Rhode Island Red, Barred and White 

 Plymouth Rock, and White Leghorn represent the leading breeds. It is of interest 

 to note that while the Rhode Island Red breed represents the bulk of the tests, the 

 average percentage of positive tests is below that (0.47) for all breeds. This table 

 also shows that pullorum disease-free stock may be obtained among all the lead- 

 ing breeds in this State. 



The outstanding encouraging result is that the average percentage of positive 

 tests has decreased from 0.90 of the previous season to 0.47. Whether this low 

 percentage of positive tests can be maintained depends upon how carefully and 

 conscientiously poultrymen observe measures necessary for establishing and 

 maintaining pullorum disease-free flocks. 



Annual Testing versus Single and Intermittent Testing 



As the testing work progresses from year to year, the fact becomes more and 

 more evident that annual testing of flocks will retain more flocks in the negative 

 column than single or intermittent testing. Table 2 shows that flocks tested for 

 the first time revealed the highest percentage of positive tests among the four 

 groups. The intermittent group, while small in number of flocks, also exceeded 

 the two annual tested groups in percentage of positive tests. In the group that was 

 tested for three or more consecutive years there are 219 flocks, representing 

 243,385 birds, which revealed 0.21 per cent reactors. It is hoped that the owners 

 of these flocks will continue to followthe annual testing program. No one can appre- 

 ciate the progress that has been made in testing without a close study of the reports 

 for the last six years. In spite of the fact that less flocks were tested this year 

 than in the previous year, the number of negative flocks has not decreased in pro- 

 portion in the groups tested annually. The poultrymen who own negative 

 flocks and practice annual testing realize more profit than a poultryman who adopts 

 any haphazard system of testing. Stock from the latter should be regarded by the 

 buyer as questionable concerning its pullorum disease status. 



Table 2. Annual Testing Versus Single and Intermittent Testing 



