What is NPIP?
NPIP or the National Poultry Improvement Program is, as the name states, a national program. It’s voluntary for poultry breeders, however, it is required to ship birds and eggs across state lines. NPIP is fairly easy to sign up for by contacting your State Agriculture Department. They will then send out someone that will test your flock for Avian Influenza and Pullorum Typhoid.
Avian Influenza (AI) is a fairly well known disease as it has been in the news quite often. It’s a disease that is often spread by wild waterfowl, as well as other birds, and is incredibly contagious. Testing for it is as easy as swabbing each bird. Those swabs are then sent to a testing facility where the results are usually available within a few days. Unfortunately, if this test comes back positive the entire flock and sometimes flocks in the area must be euthanized in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. Some states do not require AI testing to be NPIP certified. If you plan to show in a different state it’s advised to get AI testing should the location of the show require AI negative results.
Pullorum Typhoid (PT) is tested by drawing a drop of blood from each bird’s wing. That drop of blood is mixed with a drop antigen that will give a positive or negative result instantly. The antigen is purple and if the bird is negative for PT the antigen will remain unchanged. Should the bird have PT, though, the antigen will become grainy. The purple coloring makes it easy to see. It should be noted that depending on how much blood the tester adds to the antigen the purple color may be more red. In some states the testing is more extensive and vials of blood are sent off for further testing. Nationally, all birds must be tested for PT.
In some states Mycoplasma Gallisepticum (MG) as well as Mycoplasma Synoviae (MS) are also included in the NPIP testing. This is a bacterial disease that causes respiratory issues in poultry. If positive for this test an NPIP certificate can not be issued.
When a person becomes NPIP they must follow the rules per their state to maintain their NPIP certificates. In some states it’s prohibited to purchase any birds from sources that are not NPIP certified. In the state of Washington, for example, it is very clear that certified participants are not to purchase birds from anyone that doesn’t participate in the NPIP, according to the Washington Department of Agriculture’s website.
It is ALWAYS recommended to quarantine any new birds away from the rest of your flock even if they are NPIP certified. Veterinarians and State Agricultural Departments advise quarantining for 30 days. Not only does this help prevent the spread of illnesses it also gives your new birds a chance to acclimate to their new surroundings and possibly new climate. Travel is stressful for birds when they’re going to new homes.
NPIP flocks must recertify at least every year, sometimes every 6 months. For some states it’s free and for some there are fees. If you plan to show outside of your state you’ll likely be required to be NPIP certified. Most show managers require proof of NPIP per their state rules in order to participate in their show.
Be advised that some states require permits to ship to or show birds. Check with the state you plan to ship into or show to see what requirements they may have.
To inquire about becoming NPIP certified contact your State’s Agriculture Department by clicking on your state at poultryimprovement.org then click on NPIP Participants by State/Territories.