THIRTY -NINTH ANNUAL REPORT OF PULLORUM 



DISEASE ERADICATION IN MASSACHUSETTS 



1958-59 



H. Van Roekel, Miriam K. Clarke, 



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



Department of Veterinary Science 



University of Massachusetts 



INTRODUCTION 



In the 1958-59 testing season 266 flocks were tested, which is considerably 

 less than the number (324) tested in 1957-58. The number of samples tested was 

 also less than in 1957-58; however, this decrease was not as marked as it was for 

 the flocks. It is apparent that changes which have occurred within the industry 

 in the past few years have reduced the testing work. It is encouraging, however, 

 that the percentage (0.0001) of positive tests was the lowest attained in testing his- 

 tory. Only one flock was found infected which revealed one infected bird. At the 

 close of the season all tested breeding flocks were classified as negative. Of the 

 total birds tested 97.10 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 puUorum disease from its flocks. 

 It is hoped that the poultrymen will continue their vigilance in keeping this disease 

 out of their flocks. 



We also wish to express our appreciation for the continuous cooperation re- 

 ceived from the Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Massachusetts, 

 Massachusetts Department of Agriculture and other agencies. 



SUMMARY OF SERVICE RENDERED 



Flocks tested 266 



Chicken 218 



Turkey 24 



Pheasant 24 



Number of tests 975,312 



Chickens : 



Routine 944,601 



Experimental 2,989 



Fowl other than chickens: 



Routine 27,714 



Experimental 8 



Owners receiving necropsy service 32 



Necropsies of reacting birds 56 



