PULLORUM DISEASE 



23 



89. — Is there danger of the blood collectors spreading the disease? 



Blood collectors are given instructions designed to prevent the spread of the 

 disease from plant to plant. The field operations of the blood collector are 

 checked from time to time by a laboratory representative. Flock owners are 

 requested to report to the laboratory when blood collectors do not observe pre- 

 cautions. 



90. — What is the resistance of the causative organism to various 

 environmental conditions.' Investigators have reported that the organism 

 may remain alive in artificially inoculated soil for approximately fourteen months 

 and in carcasses for at least thirty days. On dry cloth, retained at room tem- 

 perature, it has remained alive for at least 26 weeks. In chick feces it remained 

 ahve for approximately 101 days. When subjected to the ordinary disinfectants, 

 it is easily destroyed. Its resistance to heating or exposure to sunlight is very 

 slight. 



91. — Can medicines or drugs eradicate puUorum disease.-' No satis- 

 factory medicine or drug has been found to be effective in eradicating or control- 

 ling the disease. Elimination of infected birds and proper follow-up measures 

 must be resorted to in order to establish puUorum disease-free flocks. 



92. — Is Massachusetts making progress in eradication of pullorum 

 disease? In 1919 under the Poultry Disease Law, an organized testing program 

 was started and since then the following testing results have been obtained. 



♦Based on total birds tested: 1927-28, 190,658 birds; 1928-29, 254,512 birds. 



The success in pullorum disease eradication in Massachusetts depends to a 

 great extent upon the cooperation of the poultrymen. If Massachusetts poultry- 

 men expect to improve the standing of their flocks in respect to pullorum disease, 

 they must adopt and conscientiously follow sound eradication and preventive 

 methods. 



93. — Where may Massachusetts poultrymen obtain information re- 

 garding pullorum disease and testing service? Requests concerning pullo- 

 rum disease and testing service should be forwarded to the Department of 

 Veterinary Science, Massachusetts §tate College, Amherst, Mass. 



Publication of this Document Approved by Commission on Administr.ation and Finance 

 7M-6-32 No. 5728 



