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The primary objective for the second year of study was 

 to investigate the merits of mass immunisation for the control 

 of M.G. , infection in market egg replacement chickens. The 

 administration of the M.G. vaccine via the drinking v;ater has 

 proven to be a safe and dependable method. The cost of labor 

 has been greatly reduced since the development of both mass 

 methods of vaccination. So far, the field results have been 

 consistantly good. 



The poultry division cooperates very closely with the 

 Division of Animal Health in controlling poultry health in 

 the Commonwealth. We check all entries of birds at poultry 

 shows and fairs to certify the stock is blood tested. and 

 Pullorum clean. \Je also inspect each individual bird for 

 clinical symptoms of any contagious disease. 



It is also required under the U.S.D.A. National Poultry 

 and Turkey Improvement Plans agreement with the State Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture to check hatcheries for cleanliness and 

 health of their breeder flocks throughout the state. 



The division keeps egg production records and blood test 

 records for pullorum-typhoid as well as the status of each 

 flock as i^ is tested for Mycoplasma Gallisepticum every 

 30-60 days. This information is required for export of baby 

 chicks and hatching eggs bj' many countries that import stock 

 from our breeders. 



