Npip Certification, Bio Security, Health Question

[dani2]

Hi,

Ok I have a few questions we are interested in being NPIP certified we live in Washington and am wondering how expensive this usually is? We called about getting certified last year but were told the program had not recieved funding yet? Is this certification actually required to sell birds/eggs?

Also I understand the Bio Security thing and the reason behind not letting people near your chickens but my question is the diseases that most are worried about how common are they? I have had chickens for years and have never had a problem with any of them. We have purchased much of our chicks from larger hatcheries and now have enough mature chickens that we also hatch our own.

For those that do implement strick no visitors policy but do want to sell birds exactly how do you sell birds/eggs if you do not let other chicken owners on your property?

What are peoples overall opinions on visitors or no visitors? I know many of the breeders who have really good quality stock also show their birds which means they are exposin them to not only countless other birds but hundreds if not thousands of people. I believe one of the requirements to be NPIP certified is No visitors? correct me if I am wrong but how does that work for people who show?

I have been very careful to only purchase chicks that come from certified hatcheries but I am really wanting to expand to some rare breeds and would like to purchase some older stock. Even if these birds are quarentined I am guessing if they have something unless we wear bio hazard suits in there is a chance that even if kept in a different barn that our other birds could get it. Which I guess goes back to my original question how common are these diseases that NPIP certifies against?

Thanks in advance for the help
Nicki

 

[Wifezilla]

I am a follower of Joel Salatin when it comes to "biosecurity". He has visitors to his farm all the time. He encourages tours.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/Joel-Salatin-Interview.aspx?page=3

Unless you are raising your birds like a commercial producer in an enclosed barn, biosecurity is a bit of a myth. I spent one afternoon in the back yard and counted all the wildlife in my suburban neighborhood that stopped by. I stopped counting after I hit 20. Mostly different species of birds, but there were also quite a few squirrels and one of the neighbor's cats.

 

[NatalieB]

You do need to be NPIP to sell eggs/chickens-- just most states are not good about enforcing it. Massachusetts was free for all testing. I think it is good to have the certification, but someone else said, it is really hard to stay biosecure. I do encourage people to come look at my coop-- just natural that people would want to see. I was getting eggs before I got me chickens from a lady down the street. One day she let me follow her into her coop---lets just say I have my own birds now and I would never buy from her again. It is kind of like raising kids--everyone does it different. Do what works for your needs/wants. Good luck!

 

[dichotomymom]

Really (about the requirement)? When I called the Purdue extension office about getting egg board certified, they didn't mention but that doesn't really mean anything. None of the vendors at our farmer's market have mentioned being part of it beyond being egg board certified. Guess maybe I better start asking around....

 

[kennedyscochins]

I just got my NPIP certification. It is a FREE, voluntary program that helps with interstate movement of chickens and eggs. If you want to sell across state lines, I suggest doing it. Otherwise, you may always have to have your chickens and eggs tested prior to shipment. For me, it was very easy. I contacted my state ag department and they helped me from there. We set up an appointment and they came and got blood from my chickens (no big deal, just a prick) to test for pullorum typhoid. They do a quick inspection of the coops for sanitation (of course they keep in mind that it's a chicken coop). They also check for effective rodent control (I use PVC pipe with rat bait in the middle of it). I live in Kentucky. Not sure where you live, but if it happens to be kentucky, PM me and I will give you the contact info. P.S. It also helps with selling eggs if you can say you are NPIP certified!

 

[pips&peeps]

WA is now charging $75.00 per hour for the State Vet to come to your place to test your birds plus per diem from the time they leave their designated office......

 

[dani2]

Thanks so much for the info I would love to hear from people in Washington who have done the testing I was emailed the info Washington only tests for pullorum-typhoid AND Avian influenza it sounds like different states test for different things. The cost is 85.00 PER HOUR plus lab fees accoring to the sheet they sent me they charge for set up cleanup and the actual bird testing. It also says Avian Influenza has to be tested for every 90 days it says I have to have a minimum of 30 birds tested I have approximatley 60 total right now but I am sure that will rise. I really hate having anything done by the hour as we all know some people who are getting paid by the hour tend to drag their feet. If there is anyone out there that has had this done in Washington especially if you live around Spokane I would love to hear how it went total cost? what they were looking for in your facility inspection?

Thanks

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

NPIP means different things in different states and its not free everywhere, in WI its $80 a year and that doesn't include the testing, which on average is $1 a bird, some testers also charge mileage. plus here its only for shipping birds out of state and nothing else, you can be certified to test your own birds here for $25 but the certification seminar only comes up every 2 years, I've got a $20 doller min to come out unless you are a 4h member, FFA or a Jr.

 

[kennedyscochins]

Wow! Guess I'm lucky. Mine was completely free!

 

[pips&peeps]

All States that are in the NPIP program get money from the Government to support the program and, if you live in a State with a big egg laying or meat producing facility, they fund to the NPIP program too.

It just depends on who you have running your State and what they do with the money. I would take bets that our money goes into the general fund here in WA.