14 CONTROL SERIES No. 58 



Table 6. — Flocks which were non-reacting in 1929-30 but which showed infection in 

 193C-31, with explanation for possible sources of infection. 



Possible Source of Infection Number of Flocks 



Introduction of stock from untested flocks 4 



Introduction of stock from tested infected flocks 3 



Custom hatching _ 2 



Eggs hatched at poultry plants with infected flocks 3 



Birds returned from egg-laying contests 1 



Partial flock testing 1 



Combination of sources - _ - 9 



Unknown „ „ 3 



Total „.. 26 



Progress in Eradication 



In Table 7 are given the comparative results of the last two seasons of 

 testing. The number of tested flocks was less in 1930-31 than in the previous 

 season. Five counties showed an increase in the number of flocks and six a 

 decrease. Increases in the number of tested birds and tests are observed in 

 the 1930-31 season. Eight counties had an increase in the number of birds 

 tested. The average percentage of infection was reduced from 2.17 to 1.47. 

 All but one county showed a decrease in the percentage of positive tests. The 

 number of non-reacting flocks increased from 309 to 328. Five counties 

 showed an increase in number of non-reacting flocks, five a decrease, one no 

 change, and one had no testing during the 1929-30 season. Plymouth County 

 had the largest increase in the number of non-reacting flocks. 



In Table 8 is given an eleven-year testing summary which shows that the 

 number of tests has increased each succeeding year. The percentage of posi- 

 tive tests was reduced from 12.50 to 1.47, the lowest attained during the 

 eleven-year period. 



Suggestions for Poultrymen 



Success in the elimination and prevention of any infectious disease depends 

 upon the observance of effective eradication and preventive measures. Poul- 

 trymen should bear in mind that the agglutination test is only one item in 

 the pullorum disease eradication program. The test, if properly conducted, 

 can only detect the birds that are or have been infected. Eradication of the 

 disease depends upon the prompt removal and proper disposal of the dis- 

 eased birds, followed by thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the houses, 

 pens and etjuipment, and the observance of effective measures against re- 

 infection. 



Test all birds on premises. — During the past season 259 flocks were 100 per 

 cent tested and 188 were partially tested. The previous season 280 flocks were 

 100 per cent tested and 180 were partially tested. The decrease in the num- 

 ber of 100 per cent tested flocks may be due in part to the business depres- 

 sion. However, some poultrymen do not realize that testing all the birds on 

 the premises is the only accurate means of determining the true status of the 

 flock. A flock can not be regarded as free from pullorum disease if only part 

 of the birds are tested. The testing records show that where partial flock 



