TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF PULLORUM 



DISEASE ERADICATION IN MASSACHUSETTS 



1944-1945 



By the Poultry Disease Control Laboratory^ 



INTRODUCTION 



During the 1944-45 season, there was a considerable increase in volume of 

 testing, due, no doubt, to a definite increase in the chicken and turkey population 

 in Massachusetts. It is gratifying that, as the chicken population increases and 

 the testing work grows, the pullorum status of flocks also improves. 



However, one should not fail to recognize that there are still reservoirs of in- 

 fection within the boundaries of Massachusetts and that no definite restrictions 

 are in force to prohibit the sale and distribution of infected stock originating 

 either within or without the State. It is hoped that persons raising chickens 

 and turkeys will become increasingly more interested in pullorum-free stock. 



During the past season the laboratory has been confronted with many diffi- 

 culties in carrying on the work. Shortage of labor, transportation difficulties, 

 and scarcity of equipment have increased the burden on the testing personnel, 

 especially the permanent staff. The flock owner, likewise, has had his troubles 

 in arranging for time and help to get his flock tested. Most flocks were tested 

 without delay. The laboratory is appreciative of the fine cooperative spirit 

 displayed by the flock owners and other persons associated with the testing pro- 

 gram. As this bulletin is being prepared, it appears that during the coming 

 season the demand for testing may be even greater than in 1944-45. In such an 

 event, the laboratory will carry on as effectively as possible, and it is hoped that 

 the flock owners will recognize the difficulties involved and continue to cooperate 

 to the fullest extent. 



Summary of Service Rendered 



Applications received 543 



Applications cancelled - 14 



Flocks tested - 529 



Chicken flocks - - 447 



Chicken and turkey flocks - - 11 



Turkey flocks - 71 



Number of tests.. 975,041 



Chickens: 



Routine .: 908,478 



Experimental 36,323* 



Fowl other than chickens: 



Routine ..- 28,949 



Experimental 1,291 



Owners receiving necropsy service 71** 



Necropsies of reacting birds .- 182*** 



* Includes 814 fowl typhoid tests. 

 ** Includes 2 turkey flocks. 

 *** Includes 3 turkeys. 



^Poultry Disease Control Laboratory Staff: H. Van Roekel, Chief of Laboratory; K. L. BuUis- 

 Assistant Veterinary Pathologist; O. S. Flint, Assistant Research Professor; Miriam K. Clarke, 

 Research Assistant; Felicia Jewett, Laboratory Assistant. Appreciation is extended to Dr. J. B. 

 Lentz, Head of the Department of Veterinary Science, for the assistance given to the testing work. 



