I usually like to get my information from the proper sources but have found the NCDA to be a joke when asking about NPIP certification. You talk to people there and they promise to get back to you or have someone call, but it just doesnt happen. So, My question to the people here is, how many of you have gotten your NPIP certification in the State of NC. What steps did you take to get this done, more importantly, does anyone have a phone number/name of someone I can call to get more information.
Some questions I have are;
1. I realize the entire flock has to be tested before the initial certification can be issued, but after that initial first testing, can I purchase the testing equipment and do the testing myself, or do I always have to use a certified tester, ( the closest one I am aware of is almost 200miles from me), come and do the testing. I believe some states will allow you to do your own testing provided you take some classes to become properly trained. This is what I would prefer to do since I feel it wouldnot be fair for me to have to pay someone to drive halfway across the state to test my small flock every year.
2. I realize to transpost birds across state lines, they should be tested/vaccanated first, even small chicks, but what about transporting hatching eggs across state lines. Does the NPIP certification allow one to transpost or mail eggs across state lines provided the eggs originate from a NPIP certified flock. This is for incomeing and outgoing eggs.
3. If I purchased another bird from a npip certified flock that I later introduce to my own flock, does this require additional testing of my flock to maintain my NPIP status. And, if I purchase a bird from a non NPIP flock, but test this bird and find it negative, can I go ahead and introduce this bird to my flock after a quaranteened period of time, without jeapordizeing my NPIP status.
4. Cost. Testing kits seem relatively cheap and the test are pretty simple to do. Pull some blood, drop it in the anitgen and watch for the color change. Sounds simple, what should I expect to pay someone to do the testing for me, provided I am not allowed to test my own flock.
I will probably have more questions once I learn a little more about the NPIP process. I have also been told by the NCDA that positive test results are rare in the State of NC
Some questions I have are;
1. I realize the entire flock has to be tested before the initial certification can be issued, but after that initial first testing, can I purchase the testing equipment and do the testing myself, or do I always have to use a certified tester, ( the closest one I am aware of is almost 200miles from me), come and do the testing. I believe some states will allow you to do your own testing provided you take some classes to become properly trained. This is what I would prefer to do since I feel it wouldnot be fair for me to have to pay someone to drive halfway across the state to test my small flock every year.
2. I realize to transpost birds across state lines, they should be tested/vaccanated first, even small chicks, but what about transporting hatching eggs across state lines. Does the NPIP certification allow one to transpost or mail eggs across state lines provided the eggs originate from a NPIP certified flock. This is for incomeing and outgoing eggs.
3. If I purchased another bird from a npip certified flock that I later introduce to my own flock, does this require additional testing of my flock to maintain my NPIP status. And, if I purchase a bird from a non NPIP flock, but test this bird and find it negative, can I go ahead and introduce this bird to my flock after a quaranteened period of time, without jeapordizeing my NPIP status.
4. Cost. Testing kits seem relatively cheap and the test are pretty simple to do. Pull some blood, drop it in the anitgen and watch for the color change. Sounds simple, what should I expect to pay someone to do the testing for me, provided I am not allowed to test my own flock.
I will probably have more questions once I learn a little more about the NPIP process. I have also been told by the NCDA that positive test results are rare in the State of NC
there is nothing to help on the NC ag website. But if you contact the state vets, they will answer all your questions. The tech that is assigned to the area that I am in is amazing! OK, so I did feel a little like "the hot zone" when she got all geared up... But they take great bio security measures and are very professional. I did my research before deciding to have my flock NPIP certified. I'm glad that I can say I did. If I can be of any other assistance please let me know. I hope I was helpful 
