The source of the infection was unknown in four flocks. In the other two 

 flocks, it was believed that the purchase of questionable stock was the source of 

 infection. The incidence of the "breaks" for this past season was much less than 

 that of the previous season, 6 and 16 respectively. In fact it is the lowest per- 

 centage of "breaks" during the past 10 jears. The following summary gives the 

 incidence of "breaks" among Massachusetts tested flocks for the past 10 years. 



These results are very encouraging. Flock owners and hatcherymen are 

 urged to exercise every possible precaution against the spread and introduction 

 of infection. Only through such a concerted effort will pullorum "breaks" be 

 kept at a low level. 



The following measures have been found to be effective for establishing and 

 maintaining a puUorum-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 prem- 

 ises 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 cf disease before they are re- 

 admitted into the flock. 



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

 known pullorum disease-free flocks. Consult the Massachusetts Department of 

 Agriculture, 41 Tremont Street, Boston, regarding additions 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. Early pullet testing will permit early hatch- 

 ing. 



