THIRTY -SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF PULLORUM 

 DISEASE ERADICATION IN MASSACHUSETTS 



1956-57 



H. Van Roekel, Miriam K. Clarke, 



C. F. Smyser, and G. H. Snoeyenbos 



Department of Veterinary Science 



INTRODUCTION 



In the 1956-57 testing season 339 flocks were tested, which is significantly less 

 than the number (353) tested in 1955-56. The number of samples tested (1,178,338) 

 was essentially the same as in the previous season, but the percentage (0.01) of 

 positive tests was less than that (0.08) of the previous season. Pullorum reactors 

 were detected in four flocks, one of which was negative the previous year. It is en- 

 couraging to note that fewer infected flocks were detected and that of the total birds 

 tested''95.18 percent were found in 100-percent tested nonreacting flocks. 



The laboratory appreciates the fine cooperation it has received from the Massa- 

 chusetts poultry industry in striving to eradicate pullorum disease from its flocks. 

 It is hoped that this concerted effort may become more effective in the years ahead 

 to eliminate completelv this disease from Massachusetts flocks. 



We also wish to e'xpress our appreciation for the splendid cooperation received 

 from the Extension Service, Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, and other 

 agencies. 



SUMMARY OF SERVICE RENDERED 



Flocks tested ^^^ 



Chicken 272 



Turkey 41 



Pheasant 26 



Number of tests 1,178,338 



Chickens: 



Routine 1,077,323 



Experimental 67,509 



Fowl other than chickens: 



Routine 33,503 



Experimental •J 



. . • ^9 



Owners receiving necropsy service ^' 



Necropsies of reacting birds "^ 



Fowl Typhoid Tests: 



Number of flocks 2 



Number of tests '32 



Number of positive tests 



