18 



In Figure 6 is illustrated the possibility of pullets becoming infected by 

 eating infective eggs laid by pullorum disease birds. Eggs are frequently 

 laid on the floor and dropping boards by pullets when they first attain pro- 

 duction. These eggs are likely to be eaten by the birds. Therefore, if pullets 

 are tested before they attain egg production, one source of spreading the in- 

 fection is eliminated. 



Figure 6. Prevent Pullorum Disease Dissemination by Early Pullet Testing 



Pullets may contract the disease by eating eggs laid on floor or dropping boards by 

 infected birds. 



PULLLT NO.Z 

 NON-INFECTED / 



-^_o_-^ 



Pullet No. 1 was infected during chickhood, and has become a carrier of the dis- 

 ease. It has laid an infective egg on the floor, and this egg was eaten by non-infected 

 pullet No. 2. 



Two months later both pullets were detected as carriers of pullorum disease by tihe 

 agglutination test. Early pullet testing will permit elimination of birds such as pullet 

 No. 1 and prevent spread of the disease by means of their eggs. 



