PULLORUM DISEASE 31 



96. Can reliable and uniform methods of eradication be instituted if poultry- 

 men test their own flocks? No. At the present t^me, no simplified test has 

 been discovered which can be placed in the hands of poultrymen and yet give 

 reliable results. Uniformity of technique and interpretation of results would be 

 sacrificed. The results of a test are no better than the ability and integrity of the 

 person conducting the test. 



97. When should new stock be tested and retained in quarantine before 

 being admitted into the flock? In respect to puUorum disease, new stock re- 

 ceived from doubtful sources should be retained in quarantine and pass two 

 negative tests at least four weeks apart before being admitted to the flock. Fre- 

 quently poultrymen fail to observe this measure and as a result introduce infec- 

 tion into their flocks. The purchase of new stock from doubtful sources is not 

 recommended as a sound practice in poultry husbandry. Owners of flocks which 

 are under official supervision should obtain approval from the official state 

 agency regarding new stock. 



98. Should birds employed for exhibition and contest purposes be returned 

 to the premises? From the aspect of disease prevention, *it is not advisable to 

 return such birds to the flock. However, if for breeding purposes their return is 

 really necessary, then they should be retained in quarantine and pass two nega- 

 tive tests at least four weeks apart before being admitted to the flock. Poultry- 

 men attach too little significance to the introduction of disease through this 

 channel. 



99. Are any losses associated with testing due to bleeding and handling of 

 birds? Very seldom birds die as a result of loss of blood. A decrease in egg 

 production has been observed in some flocks. However, losses associated with 

 the testing of birds should be negligible if the flock is healthy and properly 

 handled. 



100. Why is the fliocK owner requested to report the condition of his flock 

 prior to the arrival of the blood collector? The flock owner is requested to report 

 the condition of his flock in order to prevent the unnecessary exposure of the blood 

 collector to disease outbreaks. Furthermore, the most important reason is to 

 prevent the disturbance of diseased flocks, which is beneficial to the diseased 

 and healthy birds. Delated notification of the flock condition causes great 

 inconvenience in routing the blood collector and consequently increases the cost 

 of testing. 



101. Is there danger of the blood collectors spreading the disease? Blood 

 collectors are given instructions designed to prevent the spread of the disease 

 from plant to plant. The field operations of the blood collector are checked from 

 time to time by a laboratory representative. Flock owners are requested to re- 

 port to the laboratory when blood collectors do not observe proper precautions. 



102. What is the resistance of the causative organism to various environ- 

 mental conditions? Investigators have reported that the organism may remain 

 alive in artificially inoculated soil for approximately 14 months and in carcasses 

 for at least 30 days. On dry cloth, retained at room temperature, it has re- 

 mained alive for at least eight years. In chick feces it remained alive for approx- 

 imately 101 days. It is easily destroyed by ordinary disinfectants, but its re- 

 sistance to heating or exposure to sunlight is very slight. 



