Ten flocks had been non-reacting for one >'ear, one for two years, two for three 

 years, three for four years, and one each for nine, ten, fifteen, and seventeen years. 



The source of the infection was unknown in 11 flocks. In the nine remaining 

 flocks, the purchase of infected or questionable stock, and inadequate preventive 

 measures were responsible for the "breaks." 



Thirteen flocks regained their negative status through retesting, whereas three 

 failed to do so. The remaining four were not retested. 



The problem of the appearance of pullorum infection in flocks previously 

 negative should be of great concern to all breeders. "Breaks" may be very costly 

 to the flock owner. Every precaution should be taken to prevent the introduc- 

 tion of infection. This requires constant vigilance on the part of the flock owner. 

 The following measures cannot be stressed too strongly in establishing and main- 

 taining a pullorum-free flock: 



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 report 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. 



7. Purchase of stock in the form of adults, chicks, and eggs should be from 

 known pullorum disease-free flocks. Consult \our county agent regarding addi- 

 tions or replacements in your flock. 



8. Eggs should not be saved for hatching until after a flock has been tested 

 and all the infected birds removed. Earh" pullet testing will permit early hatch- 

 ing. 



9. Fresh and infertile eggs from unknown or infected sources should not be 

 fed to chickens or exposed to birds or animals such as crows, sparrows, and skunks 

 that may carry or spread the infection. 



10. Poultrymen should not custom hatch for untested or infected flocks 

 (including fowl other than chickens). 



11. Owners of pullorum disease-free flocks should not ha\"e hatching done 

 where infected eggs or stock may be found. 



12. Poultrymen should not buy feed in bags that have been used or exposed 

 to infection. (Such bags if properly disinfected will be safe for further use.) 



13. Poultrymen should regard fowl other than chickens as a possible source 

 of pullorum infection unless tested and found free from pullorum disease. 



14. Poultrymen should not use equipment that has been exposed to or con- 

 taminated with infective material unless it is properly cleaned and sterilized 

 or disinfected. 



