It is encouraging indeed to note that only 22 of the 252 flocks tested were 

 classified as positive. The percentage of flock owners who tested all the birds 

 on the premises has increased from 74.5 in 1934-35 to 79.3 in 1935-36. 



Appearance of Infection in Flocks Previously Negative 



Seven flocks that were non-reacting in 1934-35 revealed infection during the 

 1935-36 season. Table 3 shows that in three flocks the infection was attrib- 

 uted to faulty management in preventing the introduction of infection; in 

 three flocks the origin was unknown; and for one flock no information was 

 obtained. While the percentage (4.36) of "breaks" among the previously 100 

 percent tested, non-reacting flocks may be small, yet the explanation for the 

 source of infection suggests that re-infection of some flocks could readily have 

 been avoided. Poultrymen should not overlook or minimize the possible 

 pullorum-disease hazards which may cause serious mortality in their flocks, as 

 well as other losses. The axiom, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of 

 cure," cannot be abused by overindulgence. At the present time in the State 

 of Massachusetts one should not experience any difficulty in obtaining reliable 

 and authentic information concerning pullorum-disease-tested flocks. It is a 

 safe policy to investigate thoroughly before dealing with flocks that may be 

 infected. 



Table 3. Appearance of Infection in Flocks Previously Negative 



*Represents retests. 



Non-Reacting and Positive Flocks Classified by Counties 



In Table 4 non-reacting and positive flocks are classifled by counties. In 

 the 11 counties, 230 flocks, representing 315,215 birds, were found to be non- 

 reacting. Middlesex had the largest number (48) of non-reacting flocks, while 



