vhen returned should contain all the data asked for, since the information is 

 necessary in planning i:he work before and during the testing season. It is 

 essential also that the cards be returned to this department before the testing 

 season so that tiie work may l)e organized liefore the testing conuiiences. 

 Flocks will not be tested unless an application card has been filed witli tii.:, 

 department. 



The poultrymen should liave all the necessary equipment for testing ready 

 when the blood sampler arrives. The iilood sampler must w^ork on a systematic 

 schedule in order to collect a maximum number of samples with a minimum 

 expenditure of time and money. Letters are sent to the poultrymen before 

 the blood sampler arrives stating wlien he may be expected and wjiat equip- 

 ment is needed for collecting the samples. 



The poultrymen have cooperated in using leg bands provided by the college. 

 The bands are furnished at cost, one cent per Viand. By using these bands 

 there is less chance for error in collecting tl.c samples and a great deal of time 

 and labor are saved at the laboratory. The cost of one mistake may be great- 

 er than the cost of the leg bands. All poultrymen are expected to use college 

 leg bands so that a uniform system may be followed. 



It appears to be the impression among some poultrymen that, when a flock 

 has been tested once and reactors have been removed, the flock is free from 

 the infection. It has been found from experience, however, that it may require 

 several tests to eliminate the disease from an infected flock. A flock is not 

 considered disease-free by this department until it has passed three consecu- 

 tive negative tests. A flock that is not considered free may cause trouble in 

 its progeny. A clean flock may remain clean indefinitely, depending ujinn the 

 management of the flock and plant. 



A very important matter whicli has demanded considerable attention during 

 the past J"ear is the distribution of information concerning the results of tlie 

 blood test on flocks. Poultrymen desiring to buy liatching eggs or stock from 

 clean flocks have written to this department for tlie health status of certain 

 flocks. Poultrymen who desire to purchase hatching eggs or stock from clean 

 flocks should write to the flock owners requesting them to give this laboratory 

 authority to furnish information regarding the health status of tlieir flocks. 

 Every poultryman who buys hatching eggs or stock should investigate care- 

 fully the health standing of the flock and how the eggs and stock have been 

 handled after they leave the plant. A record of the flock standing from a 

 reliable laboratory should be obtained. This applies to flocks within and with- 

 out the State of Massachusetts. 



Summary 



During the 1926-1927 season, 127,327 birds were tested for i>acillary white 

 diarrhoea. This is 59,408 tests more than last season. The average percentage 

 of infection was slightly higher this year. The total number of flocks tested 

 was greater. The volume of work for this season indicates that the poultry- 

 men realize the significance of this test in eradicating the disease and with tiieir 

 sustained interest and cooperation in every j^hase of the work the ultimate goal 

 should be reached. 



Publication of this Doct-mext Ai'PiiovKO by the 



COJIJIISSION ON AUMINISTUATION AND FINANCE 



3,.500. 7- '27. Order 9575 



