Really if you are bringing poultry ordered from a hatchery...you are safe. ALWAYS have them vaccinated...keep that paper work from the hatchery also...it keeps things easy for the state. BUT if you have hatched or swapped birds from others flocks and added to flock-you must get tested. Which is why I test!
It really is NO big deal...the state ag office sends someone out to do the testing for you! Keep the birds locked up...till they get there...then the vet tech will take one out at a time and under the wing take a small sample of blood. Then you get your results in a few days....along with your state NH card stating you have a clean flock. The tech does tag every bird with a number leg tag, also.
I have to have mine tested annually because I sell my eggs to the farm. NEVER has the state called and demanded that I account for any birds...or asking me about my practices. It's just about keeping US healthy...not necessarily the birds.
At the Keene Swap...I'll be posting on craigslist, newspapers that all sellers/swappers should have their flock documentation with them for the swap.
I'll be asking the State Ag/Vet to come and set up a talk for us on Biosecurity.
ALL good practices...BYC is all about educating!!