Question Re: Egg Handler Registration

[Aunt Angus]

Ok... SO I want to sell eggs locally. In order to do that, I need to register as an egg handler. I have only one issue with that...

Thinking back to the Newcastle outbreak in Southern California...

If I register, the powers-that-be would pounce on my and my flock. Now, I am not saying I want to skirt the laws or hide my flock, but I feel like this would put me square in the crosshairs, so to speak. And the Avian Flu is raging in the east again...

Is it worth it? I was planning on making a legit business out of it so I could write off "business expenses" on my taxes (it would save me a bunch of money at tax time - long story). Otherwise, I'll sell them under-the-table, just without the write-offs.

I would REALLY appreciate hearing opinions.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I don't really see a huge danger in being legal in this matter. Are you NPIP currently?
If they wanted to, they could just use satellite images to find coops and hen houses.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I don't really see a huge danger in being legal in this matter. Are you NPIP currently?
If they wanted to, they could just use satellite images to find coops and hen houses.

I am not NPIP. I don't need to be to sell eggs for consumption. I am only looking at selling a dozen or so dozens of eggs a month.

Didn't even think about the satellite thing. I live in the woods, though. You can't see anything from satellite. But I see your point. And I don't have any intention of skirting the law, but the horror stories from the folks in SoCal. Nightmare-inducing.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I am not NPIP. I don't need to be to sell eggs for consumption. I am only looking at selling a dozen or so dozens of eggs a month.

Didn't even think about the satellite thing. I live in the woods, though. You can't see anything from satellite. But I see your point. And I don't have any intention of skirting the law, but the horror stories from the folks in SoCal. Nightmare-inducing.

I understand. The reason I brought up NPIP is that you have to be tested yearly and they know exactly how many birds you have on your property. I also understand about HPAI. Some states require HPAI testing of flocks in addition to the Pullorum-Typhoid test. In MO, NPIP is free for the basic test, but other tests can be done for a fee. I inquired about the HPAI test so that I could ship birds and eggs to all states and he recommended against it for me since my birds are extremely rare. The reason is that if they tested positive, they would retest at a later date. If the still tested positive for exposure to that strain, all birds on the property would be euthanized - in which case I would never be able to repopulate due to scarcity. Just as was the case in the extreme outbreaks of HPAI in the US from 2014 to 2017 when millions upon millions of poultry were euthanized. That prompted the first time in modern history that the US had to import eggs.
Regarding satellite surveillance, nothing is hidden today. Are you aware of 3d aerial imaging that can see through vegetation. They are using it to find Mayan ruins hidden in the jungle.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I understand. The reason I brought up NPIP is that you have to be tested yearly and the know exactly how many birds you have on your property. I also understand about HPAI. Some states require HPAI testing of flocks in addition to the Pullorum-Typhoid test. In MO, NPIP is free for the basic test, but other tests can be done for a fee. I inquired about the HPAI test so that I could ship birds and eggs to all states and he recommended against it for me since my birds are extremely rare. The reason is that if they tested positive, they would retest at a later date. If the still tested positive for exposure to that strain, all birds on the property would be euthanized - in which case I would never be able to repopulate due to scarcity. Just as was the case in the extreme outbreaks of HPAI in the US from 2014 to 2017 when millions upon millions of poultry were euthanized. That prompted the first time in modern history that the US had to import eggs.
Regarding satellite surveillance, nothing is hidden today. Are you aware of 3d aerial imaging that can see through vegetation. They are using it to find Mayan ruins hidden in the jungle.

According to the state, I don't need to be NPIP if I'm only selling a few dozen eggs. I'd be considered a "community" producer - not even a small producer. I don't even need a permit or to pay mill fees. I spoke directly with someone in the department.

But everything you say makes sense. I know they'll find my flock. I keep thinking that registering will somehow bring down The Man on my head.

Better get my tin foil hat...