THIRTIETH ANNUAL REPORT OF PULLORUM 



DISEASE ERADICATION IN MASSACHUSETTS 



1949-50 



By the Poultry Disease Control Laboratory i 



INTRODUCTION 



During the 1949-50 season mere samples were tested than during any previous 

 testing year. The average percentage of reactors was slightly greater than that 

 of the previous year, due largely to two flocks with serious pullorum "breaks." 

 The number of "breaks" (18) for the year also represented an increase over the 

 previous season. Fortunately, all "break" flocks, with the exception of two, re- 

 vealed less than 0.5 percent reactors. These results might suggest a temporary 

 retardation in pullorum disease eradication; however, when one considers that 

 98.28 percent of all birds tested were in 100 percent tested flocks, there should 

 be no concern at the present time about the effectiveness of the program. 



It may be reported with great satisfaction that the testing operations were 

 carried out with few difficulties, and that most flock owners received the service 

 when they requested it. It is hoped that flock owners will continue to give their 

 fullest cooperation in order that a high quality of service may be rendered the 

 industry. 



Appreciation is also expressed for the cooperation and assistance received in 

 this program from the Extension Service, the Massachusetts Department of 

 Agriculture, and other agencies. 



SUMMARY OF SERVICE RENDERED 



Applications received .— 592 



Applications cancelled 13 



Flocks tested _. 579 



Chicken flocks 475 



Turkey flocks „ 87 



Pheasant flocks _... — 17 



Number of tests...- 1,475,204 



Chickens: 



Routine.... .....1,381,103 



Experimental 63,261 



Fowl other than chickens: 



Routine _ 30,779 



Experimental. 61 



Owners receiving necropsy service. 74 



Necropsies of reacting birds 132 



DISTRIBUTION OF TESTS AND REACTORS 



Table 1 reveals that 1,444,364 samples were received from chicken flocks in 12 

 counties. The percentage of positive tests was 0.06. Middlesex, Plj^mouth, and 



' Poultry Disease Control Laboratory Staff: H. Van Roekel. Research Professor in charge; 

 K. L. Bullis and G. H. Snoeyenbos, Research Professors; O. S. Flint, Miriam K. Clarke, Assistant 

 Research Professors; O. M. Olesiuk, A. M. Crotty, and C. D. Brandt, Research Assistants. Ap- 

 preciation is extended to Dr. J. B. Lentz, Head of the Department of Veterinary Science, for the 

 assistance given to the testing work. 



