Questions about NPIP program

[Ridgerunner]

I am not a lawyer and am not NPIP certified, but I'll try to address some of this.

I appreciate all the info in regards to npip. I know this is a tad old thread but it does have some good info. I just find it hard that npip only tests for 2 diseases, and 1 of them isn't as prevelent as when the npip program was started.

Darn, do you really mean that? A government program really worked!!! But you are correct, Pullorum is not nearly as big a problem as it once was. The program worked. The program started in the 1930's and addressed what was then a serious threat.

You might find this link helpful on this topic.

https://www.poultryimprovement.org/

Why don't they test for other diseases especially since flu, bronchitis, etc and several more have all of the same symptoms.

And I do agree with another comment....if they were tested, then what happens if symptoms show up a week, 2 weeks or a month later?

When I look at it, npip only helps for the PT and AI. What about Mycoplasma M and G, Bronchitis, Laryngitis, Maerk's, or Newcastle?

Why don't they branch into doing other tests?

The Federal government has minimum requirements for a state to voluntarily belong to NPIP. Last I heard 48 of the 50 states elected to belong. Hawaii and one other state chose to not join. I can't remember which the other is.

To be NPIP the states have to meet the minimum standards. A few states do only that, no add-ons. Many other states add other requirements. So each state's program can look different. Some do other tests.

This is a state thing, not a federal. You might want to chat with your state officials on this. Maybe they can explain why your state program covers what it does.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

My question is, if you aren't npip certified, and sell in your state, but the person who bought the birds lives out of state, is it up to you or them to provide documentation for the bird, like shots, testing, etc?

Its up to you.

I am not a lawyer either, though I've worked with and for them for decades in various roles. I've also read the statues for the vast majority of States re: keeping livestock.

This is the Opinion of a reasonably well read lay person, NOT legal advice.

In my Opinion, most states have drafted their statutory scheme such that every bird in a host flock exposed to an out of state bird whose health provenance is not properly papered (that is, either originating from an NPIP participating flock, with a VS form 9-3, or accompanied by a Veterinarian's certificate of health) can be destroyed (subject to a handful of restrictions which vary from state to state) at the whim of a state agency. Not the out of state bird, the whole flock.

Damages for which the host flock owner is able to seek in Civil Court from the seller.

If that's a risk you, as a seller, are willing to take - and you don't mind engaging in State and Federal crimes by shipping live poultry across state lines if you aren't NPIP or have a Vet's inspection (likely more costly than the value of the bird), that's on you.

I'm not saying I agree with it, or don't agree with it. I understand why the laws were drafted that way at the time of their drafting. "It is what it is".

As to your other post, the NPIP program is an almost century old VOLUNTARY Public/Private partnership original established with certain minimum requirements. Its a pretty low bar, but again, a reasonable exercise in arbitrary line drawing at the time. Some states (such as my home state of Florida) do more than the minimum. Many states do not. Some states (such as my home state of Florida) subsidize participation by making it cost free for participants. MANY states do not. Some states don't participate at all.

Changing the program would require getting 50 states to agree, with the consent of the Federal Govt. and no small amount of legislative redrafting. Also the consent of a significant number of the existing participants. I'm not hopeful. Even during the last wave of Newcastle, there was no talk in CA and surrounding states of adding Newcastle testing to their Programs. Nor was their any discussion of adding AI testing to the national program during the last couple years (Florida AI tests free for those who want to participate, as an optional "add on" to their NPIP program).

I just don't see it happening.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Darn, do you really mean that? A government program really worked!!! But you are correct, Pullorum is not nearly as big a problem as it once was. The program worked. The program started in the 1930's and addressed what was then a serious threat.

Technically, a voluntary Public/Private partnership involving no small amount of self-certification and a bit of the honor system, but yes, it worked extremely well.