11 



For a sound control and eradication program, annual testing of flocks is essen- 

 tial, but other measures must also be observed. The testing of all birds on the 

 premises will not prevent re-infection of a flock. Flock owners should give more 

 consideration to the problem of "breaks" and how it may influence the program 

 in the future. The question may be raised — will our flock owners be testing 

 their flocks thirty years from now on much the same basis as at present? Have all 

 the possibilities been explored fully which might bring about a program that 

 would eliminate partially or completely the testing of flocks? This would mean 

 a saving of funds which could well be emploj-ed for investigation and control of 

 other important poultry diseases. 



Early Testing: For a number of years early testing has been encouraged in 

 order that the laboratory might be in a better position to meet the demand for 

 testing in the fall and winter months. The laboratory is very appreciative of the 

 cooperation received from the different flock owners in meeting this situation. 

 The following summary gives the volume of tests by months. 



Months Number of Tests 



April, 1949 9,001 



May 73,393 



June 72,394 



July._ 98,616 



August 147,305 



September 171,469 



October.^ 210,753 



November 224,502 



December 174,918 



January, 1950 172,000 



February 62,245 



March 55,438 



April 3,170 



Total 1,475,204 



Approximately 783,000 tests were completed by November 1 this past year. 

 It may be noted that the peak of the testing volume has been leveled off and 

 spread over six months. The distribution of the testing volume over more 

 months during the year is in part due to the regulation that all birds over five 

 months of age must be tested before they can be used for the production of 

 hatching eggs. As pullet flocks come into production they should not be used 

 for breeders unless they are tested and found non-reacting. 



Application cards for the 1950-51 season were sent out in April to all flock 

 owners who had birds tested this past season. All applications should be filed 

 early so that the laboratory can determine what may be needed for equipment, 

 supplies, and personnel. Furthermore, if the demand for testing exceeds what 

 can be accomplished with funds allotted for this work, it should be discovered as 

 soon as possible so that steps may be taken to meet the situation. 



Application cards will be serviced in order of receipt unless circumstances sug- 

 gest otherwise. Applications for testing can be more efficiently serviced if flock 

 owners will file them early and submit adequate money to cover the testing of 

 the flock. Too frequently flock owners ask for service on short notice, placing 

 an additional burden on the laboratory. The payment for testing should be 

 sent to the Treasurer of the University of Massachusetts. 



