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MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 323 



tested with the whole blood test, and blood samples were collected for the standard 

 tube test. 



As mentioned previously birds which gave agglutination reactions but could 

 not be classified as definite positive reactors, were either retained in quarantine 

 on the premises or submitted to the laboratory for further study. All other 

 reactors were eliminated immediately for slaughter. The pens were cleaned and 

 disinfected after each test if conditions permitted. 



Flock A. This flock consisted of 1187 birds which were tested in October, 1934. 

 The testing apparatus heated by tempered water was used in this test. Fourteen 

 reactors were detected on the first test. The testing results of both methods and 

 the disposal of the reactors are presented in Table 5. 



Table 5. --Testing results with reactors in Flock A. 



The blood of three birds produced delayed clumping or agglutination which was 

 impossible to distinguish from a true partial reaction. On the strength of the 

 tardiness of the reaction the birds were not removed from the flock. 



The second test was conducted in November 1934, and revealed two strong 

 reactors among 1157 birds. Of the four doubtful reactors detected on the first 

 test and held in quarantine, three gave slight reactions on the second test and one 

 was negative. These birds were sold before the next test was conducted. 



In view of the fact that the infection apparently was limited to one pen of 

 birds, only this group of birds was tested on December 13, 1934. The testing 

 apparatus electrically heated and lighted was used in this and the subsequent 

 test. Among the 37 birds one strong reactor was detected. 



In January the entire flock (1067 birds) was tested with both the whole blood 

 and tube methods in order to expedite eradication. Two birds reacted with both 

 methods and seven reacted suspiciously only with the tube test. One of the two 



