A new growth medium made the pullorum grow flagella to detectable levels. Adapted staining procedures also made them more visible. The discovery was confirmed with an electron microscope. Knowing pullorum possesses these propelling tails will lead to better detection methods. Flagella cause the body to react by releasing more and different kinds of antibodies, making detection easier.
Early detection means an outbreak is more easily contained.
Pullorum devastated the U.S. poultry industry shortly after the turn of the century. In developing countries, pullorum disease remains a widespread problem and exacts a heavy economic toll on the poultry industry. The disease is passed from hens to eggs. It kills chicks in the first weeks of life. ARS is the USDA's chief scientific agency.