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And why and when do they show up?
Only for tests. They will inform you if diseases nearby pops up to give you a heads up.
As long we practice good poultry husbandry, we would be just fine. Pullorum and tyhoid is almost non existant but it can make a comeback if we are not careful about where we purchase our birds from. As long you know of good reputable breeders, you would be fine. NPIP would be good for businesses in large amount of customers or a big flock, dealing with shows and selling out of state. For a backyard breeder, or one who keeps a few hens or small flock, I personally don't see a need for it.
Is it required for us to NPIP our flock? No, we do make those choices and you can bet either way, from NPIP breeders and non-NPIP breeders with good bio security and good poultry practices, they are the same in the flock wise. If your state requires to have NPIP birds, chicks or eggs, then you must adbide by the rules. Would you get caught? Maybe and maybe not. USPS does not have that responsibility to check every bird coming in the state so I find it wasteful.
If you check the other threads on NPIP or not threads, you will see both sides of the fence. Even I would buy eggs from SpeckledHen who is not NPIP and her birds came out just fine!
When I do sell my chicks and started birds and hatching eggs, I'm not NPIP and I would inform people that I am NOT NPIP, they went ahead and got them tested and they were free from pullorum and typhoid free as well as MG free. It is nice to know and not everyone is comfortable with that idea.
Booker, I would not worry much about the ag teacher selling her flock, they are usually the best starting flock you can get from. Later down, you might focus on a few breeds.
