NPIP Testing

[HumbleHen207]

Hello! For several years I have been interesting in showing some of my stock (chickens, ducks, and doves). Maine requires all birds to be NPIP certified before hand. I have a flock of approximately 30 chickens over a year old of assorted breeds and varieties, and two ducks. We have previously attempted to get our flock tested but the guy offering the service was asking a crazy price per bird; what should I be paying? I have found no information of the state providing testing services to small-flock owners; are such services usually provided? There are several independent testers around but I want to be sure I am not getting ripped-off.
Thanks for any advice!

 

[Falkenhof]

The NPIP testing is a government program, so I would be wary of anyone other than those involved with your county agents doing the testing. The cost shouldn't be high as they expect you to test at least 10% of your flock but I have also heard of some states requiring 100% of the birds be tested for flocks under 30 birds. Small or large flocked, it shouldn't matter as you need the NPIP to sell fertile hatching eggs and such. So smaller scaled breeders should be able to get the testing. Here is the contacts for the people in charge of the NPIP, you can ask them who you contact for testing. Also try emailing your county agricultural agent.

USDA APHIS-VS
1506 Klondike Road
Road, Suite 300
Conyers, GA 30094
Phone770) 922-3496

Dr. C Stephen Roney, Director, National Poultry Improvement Plan
Dr. Denise L. Brinson, Veterinary Medical Officer
Penny Kesler, Veterinary Program Specialist
Harold Perks, Veterinary Program Assistant

For me, its about $5 a bird but different areas charge different rates I believe. The idea is for the program to run itself and protect the birds, not make a profit. I am getting my flock tested after I bring in some new stock. Expect some paperwork, but your agent should tell you where to get it or send it too you. Send it back and arrange a date for testing, its a bit of a hassle but worth it if you want to show and sell some fertile eggs. Some states require record keeping as well. My state is much more lax than others.

Best of luck!

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Different states charge different amounts. It's expensive here in Ohio--in some states, it's free. The GA information above isn't useful to you. Here's the list of contacts for all states--the Maine info should be on here.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_dis_spec/poultry/downloads/osa-npip.pdf

 

[HumbleHen207]

Thanks for the information guys! Maine requires 100% of the flock to be tested if you have a flock under 30 birds. The independent tester we contacted made it sound as if there would be a charge of $20 per bird! We cannot afford to pay $600 to test a flock of little value.
Thanks again!

 

[Wee Acre Farm]

My tester charges a flat rate of $25 for up to 30 birds. I have 50 adult birds and had to have 30 tested. My tester does charge the going rate for gas mileage as they are not paid by the state. I don't know who told you $20 a bird but that is not what the going rate is. Where are you located in Maine, I will try and get you the name of a good tester.

 

[HumbleHen207]

We are located in the Hancock county region. It is a possibility that there was a mis-communication with the person at the time but it has been several years since then.