Distribution of Tests and Reactors 



Table 1 gives the distribution of tests and reactors by counties. A total of 

 791,596 chicken samples from 12 counties was submitted. Of this number, 871, 

 or 0.11 percent, were detected as reactors. The percentages of positive tests for 

 the various counties were very low, the highest being only 0.28 percent. Samples 

 from two counties, Barnstable and Berkshire, revealed no reactors. Worcester, 

 Middlesex, and Bristol Counties led in the number of samples tested. 



The following breeds and varieties were tested: Bantam, Barnevelders, 

 Barred Plymouth Rock, Black Langshan, Brahma, Buff Orpington, Columbian 

 Plymouth Rock, Crosses, Jersey White Giant, New Hampshire, Rhode Island 

 Red, Silver Laced Wyandotte, White American, White Cornish, White Leghorn, 

 White Plymouth Rock, and White Wyandotte. Reactors were detected among 

 Barred Plj'mouth Rocks, New Hampshires, Rhode Island Reds, White Plymouth 

 Rocks, and Crosses. 



Of the total number of samples tested, 716,421 were collected from females 

 (73,476 hens and 642,945 pullets) and 75,175 from males. The percentages of 

 reactors were .09 among the hens, .12 among the pullets, and .041 among the 

 males. 



Annual Testing of Flocks 



Table 2 shows the results from flocks tested for the first time, intermittently, 

 for two consecutive years, and for three or more consecutive years. 



Table 2. — Annual Testing Versus Single and Intermittent Testing 



In the group tested for the first time, the number of flocks and tests increased 

 considerably over those of the previous season. A total of 94 flocks was tested, 

 representing 101,766 tests of which 0.31 percent were positive. There were 81 

 non-reacting flocks, representing 89,125 birds, and 13 positive flocks, representing 

 10,151 birds. Special attention is called to the low percentage of positive tests, 

 which indicates that new flocks can be established from pullorum-free sources. 



The intermittent group also showed a considerable increase over the previous 

 season, 30 flocks, representing 43,734 samples, being tested. The percentage of 

 positive tests was 0.47. Twenty-seven non-reacting flocks, representing 41,135 

 birds, were identified in this group. 



