THIRTY -FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT OF PULLORUM 



DISEASE ERADICATION IN MASSACHUSETTS 



1953-54 



H. Van Roekel, Miriam K. Clarke, Joseph E. Gray, 

 G. H. Snoeyenbos, and R. A. Bennett 



INTRODUCTION 



It is gratifying to note that the results for the 1953-54 testing season continue 

 to reveal progress in pullorum disease eradication in Massachusetts. The volume 

 of testing was slightly greater than that of the previous season. The percentage 

 of reactors was 0.004, the lowest ever attained in the history of the testing work. 

 Likewise, the number of "breaks" (2) was the lowest on record. Only three flocks 

 were classified as infected at the close of the testing season. Of the total birds tested, 

 98.43 percent were found in 100 percent tested nonreacting flocks. The testing 

 results definitely reveal that progress is being made in the elimination of the disease. 



It is recognized that the cooperation of the flock owner is a primary essential 

 in the eradication of this disease. The laboratory appreciates the fine cooperation 

 received from the majority of flock owners in striving to obtain a common objec- 

 tive, the eradication of pullorum disease. It is hoped that all flock owners and other 

 agencies will continue with earnest desire and concerted eff'ort to eliminate com- 

 pletely this disease from Massachusetts flocks. 



We also wish to express our appreciation for the assistance given by the Ex- 

 tension Service, Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, and other agencies in 

 making this program a success. 



SUMMARY OF SERVICE RENDERED 



Flocks tested 419 



Chicken 338 



Turkey 60 



Pheasant 21 



Number of tests 1,229,938 



Chickens: 



Routine 1,189,054 



Experimental 6,105 



Fowl other than chickens: 



Routine 34,756 



Experimental 23 



Owners receiving necropsy service 41 



Necropsies of reacting birds 61 



Fowl Typhoid Tests: 



Number of flocks 25 



Number of tests 36,133 



