I want to become NPIP certified?

[ThePigeonKid]

I want to become NPIP certified and I was wondering what all I have to do? Is it worth it? What do I gain by being NPIP certified? How many of you had to cull so you can be NPIP certified?
Thanks!
TPK

 

[EweSheep]

I won't at this point in time.

Simply, because "Big Brother".

 

[ThePigeonKid]

I won't at this point in time.

Simply, because "Big Brother".

I am torn! I was hoping there would be some positive reasons for me to pursue it. I thought that there would be at least some NPIP on here.

 

[NYREDS]

There is some variation from state to state as to how the program is administered. Generally it simply involves the annual blood testing of a representative sampling of your flock. The only reason culling would be involved would be having a bird or birds test positive for Pullorum/Typhoid. At one point Pullorum/Typhoid was a major problem that caused huge losses to the poultry industry. Because of the National Poultry Improvement Plan [NPIP] it has been almost completely eradicated.
Advantages include allowing you to participate in poultry shows as most shows require participation. It also allows you to legally ship birds or eggs interstate. There are regulations requiring participation in order to ship but frankly I don't think they are rigorously maintained & I doubt many people are prosecuted for non-compliance.
Another obvious benefit is it ensures your flock is free of Pullorum/Typhoid & that you do not produce carriers of the disease.
If you don't plan to show or sell birds you may not feel you need to participate but mindless paranoia aside there's really no downside to participation & IMO it's the responsible thing to do.

 

[ThePigeonKid]

There is some variation from state to state as to how the program is administered. Generally it simply involves the annual blood testing of a representative sampling of your flock. The only reason culling would be involved would be having a bird or birds test positive for Pullorum/Typhoid. At one point Pullorum/Typhoid was a major problem that caused huge losses to the poultry industry. Because of the National Poultry Improvement Plan [NPIP] it has been almost completely eradicated.
Advantages include allowing you to participate in poultry shows as most shows require participation. It also allows you to legally ship birds or eggs interstate. There are regulations requiring participation in order to ship but frankly I don't think they are rigorously maintained & I doubt many people are prosecuted for non-compliance.
Another obvious benefit is it ensures your flock is free of Pullorum/Typhoid & that you do not produce carriers of the disease.
If you don't plan to show or sell birds you may not feel you need to participate but mindless paranoia aside there's really no downside to participation & IMO it's the responsible thing to do.

Thanks! Wanted to convince my family this was a good idea. I think your post has fully convinced them.

They'd heard the horror stories, and being new to this, they wanted to weigh it all and make an educated decision.

 

[RedDrgn]

Thanks! Wanted to convince my family this was a good idea. I think your post has fully convinced them.

They'd heard the horror stories, and being new to this, they wanted to weigh it all and make an educated decision.

What are the "horror stories" that they heard? I read quite a bit into NPIP in my State, for knowledge's sake, so I'm curious.

 

[ThePigeonKid]

Farms being taken away from people. Stuff like that.