I understand the limitations of NPIP.. and think it is on some level a false sense of security but I am thankful for what little it does offer.. Which I considered stating, but figured my long over thought out posts get old quick. Hopefully they will expand the things they test for. Plus regarding shipping birds or hatching eggs across state lines.. it's the law.
Personally, the whole AI thing includes a bunch of fear mongering... beings it goes around every year... but if we can somehow make the people believe that the government is protecting us.. then we can all bow down and follow their leadership. Increasing testing doesn't decrease disease.. it only increases awareness that these things exist. Life is complex. There are never any guarantees. So we do our best that we can.
Thank you for clarifying, it's true NPIP does not do anything for Marek's (most commercial flocks are vaccinated and hiding it, doesn't pass to the egg which is often hatched at another facility). It doesn't do anything for AI, or a whole host of other conditions either. I still choose NPIP birds over a back yard or even show person with no quarantine type procedures in place and recommend it especially IF shipping across state lines.
