TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF PULLORUM 

 DISEASE ERADICATION IN MASSACHUSETTS 



1946-47 



By the Poultry Disease Control Laboratoryi 



INTRODUCTION 



During the 1946-47 season an increase in the volume of tests over the previous 

 season was noted. The Massachusetts poultry industry is continuing its progress 

 in eliminating the disease from its flocks. Approximately 95 percent of the total 

 birds tested are in 100 percent tested non-reacting flocks. This accomplishment 

 is placing the industry in a very favorable position from the standpoint of selling 

 hatching eggs and stock which are free of pullorum infection. 



During the past year the laboratory has put forth every efifort to meet the 

 testing demands. This was accomplished in part by increased personnel on the 

 permanent staff and by obtaining blood collectors more readily. However, the 

 volume of the work has increased beyond the point where the laboratory facilities 

 are adequate. It is hoped that this situation will be corrected when the proposed 

 new laboratory becomes a reality. 



Appreciation is extended to the poultrymen who have cooperated by having 

 part or all of their birds tested early in the season. This has been a distinct 

 help in relieving some of the congestion during the peak testing months of Novem- 

 ber, December, and January. 



We also wish to express appreciation for the help and cooperation received 

 from the Extension Service, Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, and other 

 agencies in the program to eliminate pullorum disease from Massachusetts 

 poultry flocks, 



SUMMARY OF SERVICE RENDERED 



Applications received — — 687 



Applications cancelled — - -— — - — 36 



Flocks tested - 651 



Chicken flocks.... 562 



Chicken and turkey flocks.... 11 



Turkey flocks 78 



Number of tests..... 1,271 ,378 



Chickens: 



Routine -..-. 1,225,184 



Experimental 13,799 



Fowl other than chickens: 



Routine. -. - 31,802 



Experimental 593 



Owners receiving necropsy service 114* 



Necropsies of reacting birds 211** 



♦Includes 5 turkey, 1 pheasant, and 1 game flocks. 

 **Inc!udes 7 turkeys, 3 pheasants, and 1 game. 



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

 Research Professor: G. H. Snoeyenbos. Research Professor; O. S. Flint. Assistant Research Pro- 

 fessor; F. G. Sperhng, Assistant Research Professor. Miriam K. Clarke. Research Assistant; 

 O. M. Olesiuk, Research Ass'stant; E. M. Al'en. Research Assistant. Appreciation i"! extended to 

 Dr. J. B. Lentz, Head of the Department of Veterinary Science, for the assistance given to the 

 testing work. 



