THIRTY -THIRD ANNUAL REPORT OF PULLORUM 

 DISEASE ERADICATION IN MASSACHUSETTS 



1952-53 



By the Poultry Disease Control Laboratory' 



INTRODUCTION 



Testing results for the 1952-53 season continue to show progress in pullorum 

 disease eradication in Massachusetts. The volume of testing work was slightly 

 less than that of the previous season. The average percentage of positive tests 

 remains at a very low figure (0.04). Fewer "breaks" were detected among pre- 

 viously nonreacting flocks. Only five flocks were classified as positive at the close 

 of the season. Furthermore, 98.28 percent of all birds tested were in 100 percent 

 tested nonreacting flocks. 



During the past year the testing operations were carried out with few diffi- 

 culties, and the flocks, for the most part, were tested at a time requested by the 

 flock owners. It is hoped that the close cooperation existing among the flock owners, 

 laboratory, and other agencies may continue in order to carry out an effective 

 program. 



We also wish to express our appreciation for the assistance given by the Ex- 

 tension Service, Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, and other agencies in 

 making this program a success. 



SUMMARY OF SERVICE RENDERED 



Flocks tested 461 



Chicken flocks 371 



Turkey flocks 66 



Pheasant flocks 24 



Number of tests 1,203,874 



Chickens: 



Routine 1,161,410 



Experimental 7,329 



Fowl other than chickens: 



Routine 35,127 



Experimental 8 



Owners receiving necropsy service 26 



Necropsies of reacting birds 37 



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

 Snoeyenbos, G. P. Faddoul, Jack E. Gray, Research Professors; Miriam K. Clarke, O. M. Olesiuk, 

 Joseph E. Gray, -Assistant Research Professors; G. W. Fellows, R. L. Bennett, C. G. Smyser, Jr., 

 L. P. Beninato, Research Assistants. Appreciation is extended to Dr. K. L. Bullis, Head of the 

 Department, for the assistance given to the testing work. 



