TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT OF PULLORUM 

 DISEASE ERADICATION IN MASSACHUSETTS 



1945-46 



By the Poultry Disease Control Laboratory' 



INTRODUCTION 



The 1945-46 testing season reveals a marked increase (284,582) ov^er the 

 previous year in the volume of tests. The total number of samples tested exceeds 

 the million mark (1,259,623), a new record in the history of the testing work. 



It is gratifying to note that even with the marked increases in the number of 

 flocks and birds tested, the percentage of infection has not increased over that of 

 the previous season. Even more encouraging is the fact that 95.3 percent of the 

 birds tested are in 100 percent tested non-reacting flocks. Considering the heavy 

 demands on the poultry industry these last few years and the difficulties under 

 which those demands were met, the Massachusetts poultr\' industry is to be 

 commended for maintaining standards that are effective in establishing and main- 

 taining puUorum-free flocks. As conditions return to normal and operations 

 can be carried on more satisfactorily, it is hoped that flock owners will be even 

 more vigilant in keeping pullorum disease out of their flocks. 



During the past season, the testing work was carried on under extreme diffi- 

 culties due to a lack of adequate help and facilities. Consequently some flock 

 owners were unable to obtain testing service on approximately the date that was 

 requested. The postponement of the testing of flocks created a hardship and 

 financial loss to the flock owner because his hatching plans and operations were 

 delayed or disrupted. 



The marked increase in the volume of testing has been a severe strain on the 

 laboratory personnel, especially the permanent staff. This was further aggravated 

 by the extraordinary pressure from flock owners to get their flocks tested by a 

 certain date. In order to avoid a repetition of the last few years in meeting these 

 heavy testing demands from the industry, increased facilities and additional 

 personnel are imperative. 



It should be realized that the Massachusetts poultr\- industry has made con- 

 siderable growth in the last ten years, but the facilities and personnel for the 

 pullorum disease testing have not been provided for in direct proportion. Every 

 effort should be put forth to safeguard what has been established on Massachu- 

 setts poultry farms; namely, pullorum-free flocks — a quality product that has 

 received universal recognition. 



'Poultry Disease Control Laboratory Staff: H. Van Roekel, Research Professor; K. L. Bullis, 

 Assistant Veterinary Pathologist; O. S. Flint, Assistant Research Professor; F. G. Sperling, .-Assis- 

 tant Research Professor; Miriam K. Clarke, Research Assistant: Felicia Jewett, Laboratory Assis- 

 tant. Appreciation is Extended to Dr. J. B. Lentz, Head of the Department of Veterinary Science, 

 for the assistance given to the testing work. 



