13 



high quality service maintained as in the past, continued cooperation of 

 poultrymen in meeting the following suggestions is essential: 



a. Filing applications. 



Applications for testing service should be filed by September 1. The 

 early filing of application cards stating the dates at which testing service 

 is desired enables the laboratory to estimate testing demands during sub- 

 sequent months. With this information available, it is possible to employ 

 and train sufficient desirable help early enough in the season to render 

 maximum service. 



b. Estimating the number of birds to be tested. 



This should be done as accurately as possible. Later, preliminary notice 

 and verification card permit adjustment of the original estimate. The time 

 allotted for handling a flock is based upon the number of birds to be 

 tested. When a blood collector finds considerably more birds than the 

 verification card states, it may be necessary to arrange for a future date 

 to complete the work. This means added expense and delay in obtaining 

 final testing results. 



c. Testing i)i September and October. 



The number of tests requested for the months of November and Decem- 

 ber has become so large that it is difficult to meet demands. More testing 

 in September and October would relieve this congestion. Also, weather 

 conditions are more favorable during these months and more efficient 

 collection of blood samples is possible. 



d. Forwarding payment. 



Regulations require payment in full at the rate of live cents per bird 

 prior to the collection of the blood samples. Partial paymenl is not suf- 

 ficient for making final arrangements. Early filing of application for 

 testing service is urged, but payment need not be sent with the application 

 card when it is filed early. 

 c. Preparing for collection of blood samples. 



The final notice to the flock owner includes the details. Cooperation 

 on the part of the flock owner in being prepared to start work immediately 

 upon arrival of the blood collector, in providing suitable means for pen- 

 ning and catching birds, and in furnishing a sufficient number of assistants 

 is essential if blood collectors' services are to be utilized to the best advan- 

 tage. General flock culling and any other interruptions in the work should 

 be avoided. Following these suggestions permits a greater number of 

 samples to be collected and helps to keep field expenses at a minimum. 

 /. Returning report cards. 



Post cards for reporting on the services of blood collectors are furnished 

 to each flock owner. These cards should be returned immediately after 

 the collection of blood samples has been completed. Continuous close 

 supervision of blood collection by a field representative is not feasible 

 because of the expense. For this reason, flock owners are requested to 

 report on the services rendered by blood collectors. Prompt return of 

 these cards keeps the laboratory informed on the field work and permits 

 corrective measures to be taken when needed. 



Publication of this Document Approved by Commission on Administration and Finance 

 2500-7-'40. No. 3391 



