SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT ON PULLORUM DIS- 

 EASE ERADICATION IN MASSACHUSETTS 



1936-1937 



By the Poultry Disease Control Laboratory' 



Introduction 



The main purpose of pullorum-disease testing in Massachusetts is to identify 

 flocks free from pullorum infection. In certain instances the test is employed 

 as a means of eradicating the disease from flocks, especially in those flocks 

 which warrant the expenditure for intensive retesting. Howe^'er, the testing 

 of birds is one important phase in the program for the establishment and 

 maintenance of pullorum-clean flocks. This fact is clearly illustrated in the 

 past season's results which show further progress in the elimination of the 

 disease from Massachusetts flocks. 



Several factors have contributed to the progress in pullorum-disease elimi- 

 nation, but one deserving of special mention is the fact that the majority of 

 flock owners have experienced the advantages of a pullorum-clean flock as 

 contrasted with the disadvantage of an infected flock. They have come to 

 realize the value of annual testing and also the importance of preventing the 

 disease from entering their flocks. The small number of re-infected flocks 

 encountered annually would suggest that few poultrymen fail in their efforts 

 to maintain a pullorum-clean flock. 



Knowing that the majority of Massachusetts poultrymen recognize the 

 value of pullorum-clean flocks and that it requires a sound eradication and 

 prevention program to establish and maintain such flocks, the industry may 

 entertain the fullest hope that the disease will be further eliminated from 

 within the State. 



Summary of Service Rendered 



Applications received 322 



Applications cancelled. 15- 



Flocks tested 311* 



Number of tests 463,095 



Chickens: — 



Routine 460,167 



Experimental 1,595 



Fowl other than chickens: — 



Routine 684 



Experimental 649** 



Owners receiving necropsy service 26 



Necropsies of reacting birds 65 



* Includes four flocks of poultry other than chickens. 

 ** Includes 488 paratyphoid tests. 



1 Poultry Disease Control Laboratory Staff: H. Van Roekel, Chief of Laboratory; K. L. BuUis, 

 Assistant Veterinary Pathologist; O. S. Flint, Assistant Research Professor; Miriam K. Clarke, 

 Research Assistant; Fehcia Jewett, Laboratory Assistant. Appreciation is extended to Dr. J. B. 

 Lentz, Head of the Department of Vet-erinary Science, for the administrative assistance given to 

 the testing work. 



(2) 



