12 



COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS 



Annual Testing of All Birds on the Premises: This past year 30 tested flocks 

 were classified with intermittent testing history. These flocks contained 62,381 

 birds. The percentage of positive tests was 0.42 which is considerably above the 

 average for all samples tested. It is very evident that flocks with an intermittent 

 testing history usually contain more infection than flocks tested annually. Flocks 

 should be tested annually in order to determine their pullorum status. The 

 occurrence of "breaks" is well recognized and if flocks are- tested annually, such 

 "breaks" can be detected before the flocks become heavily infected. Eradication 

 is far more difficult in heavily infected flocks. Consequently annual testing will 

 prevent some flocks from becoming heavily infected. The records reveal, as 

 was pointed out in a previous section, that a number of infected flocks have been 

 identified in which only one or two infected birds were detected. The early 

 detection of infection has prevented considerable loss to the flock owner. 



This past season 29 flocks, representing 25,945 birds, were partially tested. 

 In 18 of these flocks, no reactors were detected. However, this does not mean 

 that the untested birds in these flocks were also free of infection. Using par- 

 tially tested flocks for breeding purposes is following a breeding program with 

 a possible hazard of pullorum disease. Furthermore, partially tested flocks can- 

 not be officially recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture 

 even though no reactors are found among the tested birds. 



Early Testing: Flock owners are requested again to test all or part of their 

 flocks as early as possible in order to relieve the congestion during the months of 

 October, November, December, and January. The volume of testing has reached 

 such proportions that it is impossible with present facilities to test more samples 

 during the peak months. It is hoped that more flock owners will cooperate in 

 having their birds tested earlier in the season. The following data shows the 

 distribution of tests by months: 



In conclusion it may be emphasized again that flock owners should take every 

 possible precaution to prevent the introduction of pullorum infection. The 

 known and suspected channels of infection should be kept under the strictest 

 vigilance at all times. 



Publication of this Document Approved by Commission on Administration and Finance 

 3M (b) 7-45-16568. 



