What is NPIP Certification?

[countyroad1330]

I see where lots of people say that they are NPIP Certified. What does that mean and how do you acquire it? Also, I know that in order to show my birds I have to have them pollurum tested (still haven't found someone to do that.) Does being NPIP Cert have something to do with that?

 

[CovenantCreek]

It means that your flock has tested negative for Pullorum-Typhoid. Only birds 4 months of age and older can be tested. The testing is done by your state's Dept of Ag, in TN it's the the Animal Health division.

 

[countyroad1330]

So if all of my birds are tested negative, does that make their chicks negative as well? And if so, is there any way I could pass on paper work for others who wish to show chicks they have got from me??

 

[CovenantCreek]

I haven't had my birds tested yet so I don't know exactly what you get for it, but I did receive paperwork from one of the people I ordered eggs from indicating her operation was NPIP certified. I think it's supposed to give confidence to buyers that your flock is healthy and therefore the eggs or chicks they buy from you haven't been exposed to the diseases.

 

[SandyC]

Is it worth being tested? How likely are the birds to get it? I hate to call the locals to my flock. They are all pains in the $&#^@%, if you know what I mean?

 

[speckledhen]

Since pullorum and typhoid are only two of the many, many awful diseases chickens can contract, I think any value might be in the eyes of someone else buying your birds. I have no plans to get involved in any gov't testing of my flock.

 

[countyroad1330]

The ONLY reason I care is because I want to show my birds. I'm pretty sure that anywhere in this state they have to be tested to be shown.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Some states have regulations to prevent disease being brought in from out of state or spread through shows and swaps. If people want to take their chickens to shows or swap meets there, they need to have been tested. If people want to sell in or to a state with regulations requiring testing, they need to be tested. If you don't participate in any of those activities, then you don't need to worry about it. It's not a requirement if you just want to have your own chickens.