I am new to buying eggs online and I bought some eggs off of Ebay (haven't received them yet) and got to wondering about safety and a state's requirements of importing eggs. I know that when I ordered my chicks, I got them from an NPIP participating hatchery (Cackle Hatchery) and they provided me with USDA for VS 9-3. Does this apply to eggs too? Oregon State's ODA Import Requirements state (in part): Poultry - except ratites A. shipped from a flock which is not an NPIP participant must have 1. a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued no more than 30 days prior to entry, 2. a negative test for Salmonella pullorum-typhoid, and 3. an import permit number. B. shipped direct from a flock which is an NPIP participant and must be shipped on USDA form VS 9-3, with no other requirements. Nothing is mentioned about eggs in the whole "Import Requirements for Birds and Poultry" section. I believe that I read that the Salmonella pollorum-typhoid is transmittable through eggs. I contacted the seller and she said: "I do not participate in the NPIP Program at this time. My flock is tested yearly in order for my children to show at our county fair but I do not provide any negative paperwork with my eggs." I have to believe that this not uncommon. If you do a search on Ebay for "hatching eggs" you come up with more than 600 listings and that is only one source. Is this something that I should be so worried about that I need to destroy the eggs upon arrival and not do it again? I would appreciate your help, experience and expertise on this one.
It all comes down to how you want your flock. Will you be NPIP certifying your flock or are you already? Would you buy chicks from a source that is not NPIP? Its all about your preference. It does apply to eggs as well. So if you are NPIP certified then you have to get chicks/eggs from sources that are the same & can provide you with documentation so you can as well keep your certification.
