I support NPIP testing. We should make sure people know that
they do not test for respiratory diseases when they test on an annual
basis. Jennifer Glover from NPIP told me once you see a sick
bird in the flock, they have all been exposed regardless of if
sick bird is removed. I'm not trying to scare anyone. Just want
to make sure people understand the risks and know
NPIP testing is not a gaurentee for an illness free flock.
Dr Gary Butcher, head on avian vet school at UF recommends
only buying chicks and never adult birds to avoid illness in your
flock.
This is true but I would still remove a bird that is showing any signs of problems.They other birds may be carrying the disease too. Some show signs and some do not. I hatch all of my own chicks. I pick out my birds carefully as who I want in my breeding pens for my parent stock.