Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
THE TEST FOR PULLORUM
The pullorum-typhoid test is a must for breeders who wish to safely produce and sell
their own chicks. Initially all birds kept for breeding purposes are tested, and then
if no new birds come to the farm, you can gradually reduce the percentage of birds
tested to only 25 percent of the flock annually. If you enjoy showing your flock, or
are constantly purchasing new birds, the annual pullorum-typhoid test for all birds in
the flock is not only a good idea but also a requirement in most states.
The common test for pullorum-typhoid is a whole-blood plate test: A sample of
blood is obtained from under the wing and gathered on a looped tool. The blood
sample is placed on a glass plate and is allowed to warm to a temperature of 70°F
(21°C) or slightly higher; then, a drop of test pullorum-typhoid
antigen
(a substance
that stimulates the production of an antibody) is added. The plate is gently swirled by
hand for 30 seconds, and if the test is positive, the spot of blood and antigen on the
plate attains a clumpy look.
Do not become too anxious; the chances are minimal that you will see a positive
test. The testing program has nearly eradicated the disease. It still crops up once in
a while but usually only in the schools where individuals interested in learning how
to administer the test may train and where birds at the testing schools are purposely
injected to demonstrate a positive.
Take care to follow the directions on the antigen bottle and monitor the testing
time carefully. Readings should not be taken more than two minutes after the blood
and antigen are mixed.
I advocate for ongoing selection of the hardiest individuals that survive ailments. I
breed from this stock with the goal of disease resistance or tolerance to a particular con-
dition. I do not believe the best method involves constantly anticipating problems and
medicating when it is not necessarily a condition that warrants drug use.
For the sake of the planet and all its species, raisers need to keep in mind that bacteria
and other microorganisms are resilient and adapt very easily to the hostile conditions
created by medications. When the bacterial survivors of these treatments are able to re-
produce, they can quickly render an antibiotic or vaccine ineffective, requiring stronger
and stronger drugs for the next generation of birds.
My advice: Don't vaccinate for a virus if you've never had a problem with it. Most
virus vaccines are live and bringing live virus on the farm, even in minute amounts, can
be risky when you may never have to deal with it otherwise. Don't create a problem if
