19 



Early pullet testing permits the following: 



1. Early elimination of infected birds which are a constant source of dan- 

 ger to other birds. 



2. Prevention of the spread of infection among the flock through infective 

 eggs. 



3. Placing only non-reacting birds into the laying houses. 



4. Intensive testing within the same season if necessary. 



5. Efficient cleaning and disinfecting of the pens during warm weather. 



Progress in Eradication is Encouraging 



In Table 6 are given the comparative results of the last two seasons of 

 testing. The majority of the counties show an increase in the number of 

 flocks tested and all but two show an increase in the niunber of birds tested. 

 Bristol and Middlesex Counties have the largest increase in the number of 

 flocks and birds tested. In all counties but two the average percentage of 

 reactors was reduced. Bristol, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Plymouth Counties 

 had increases of 16, 24, 14, and 13, respectively, among non-reacting flocks. 

 There was an increase of 47 in the total number of flocks tested. This figure 

 does not represent the total number of new flocks tested during the season, 

 since 122 flocks were tested for the first time and 25 flocks showed an inter- 

 mittent testing history. Of the 413 flocks tested during the 1928-1929 season, 

 102, representing 35,097 birds, were not tested this season. This means that 

 25 per cent of the flocks were either disposed of or not tested this season. 

 This is rather a large percentage. Poultrymen should realize the value of 

 annual and intensive testing as compared with intermittent testing which was 

 emphasized in the discussion of Table 5. If the testing of a flock has once- 

 been started it should be continued, provided the quality of the stock justifies 

 the expenditure and the effort. That a flock is free from infection does not 

 mean future testing should be discontinued. Such a flock may become re- 

 infected with pullorum disease if proper saaiitary and eradication measures 

 are not observed. Annual 100 per cent testing serves as a check upon the 

 observance of the prophylactic measures. 



