Table 3. Appearance of Infection in Flocks Previously Negative 



♦Represents retests 



Four flocks had been negative for one year, one for two j^eairs, two for three 

 years, three for four years, and three for six years or more. In seven cases the 

 explanation for the infection was unknown, in two the infection was apparently 

 introduced through custom hatching, in three flocks possibly through new stock, 

 and in one flock through returned contest birds. 



The number of "breaks" was more than double that of the previous season. 

 Whether this trend can be attributed to war conditions is difficult to determine. 

 However with circumstances as they exist, flock owners are urged to become more 

 vigilant in disease prevention and give greater attention to the following measures 

 that are so essential in establishing and maintaining puUorum-free flocks. 



1. All the birds on the premises should be tested each year. 



2. If infection is present, the entire flock should be retested within four to 

 six weeks until a negative leport is obtained, provided the value of the birds 

 justifies the expenditure. 



3. Every reactor, regardless of its value, should be removed from the premises 

 and sold for slaughter immediately upon receipt of the report. 



4. Offal from all birds dressed for market or home consumption as well as 

 dead birds that are not fit for consumption should be burned. 



5. The poultry houses, runs, and equipment, should be thoroughly cleaned 

 and disinfected immediately after removal of reactors. Provide an empty pen 

 to each house to facilitate cleaning and disinfection during the winter months. 

 Use disinfectants approved by the United States Department of Agriculture. 



6. Birds removed from the premises to egg-laying contests, exhibitions, etc., 

 should be held in quarantine and determined free of disease before they are 

 readmitted into the flock. 



