NPIP?

[Gamebird7]

Hey all. What does NPIP certified mean?

Thanks,

Chad

[Evy]

Means your landfowl flock is Pullourm free & in some states, have been AI tested as well. I don't know why waterfowl sellers advertise it, unless it's for AI certification. WF don't get Pullourm.

[Bob308]

In Texas testing for PT is free. To join NPIP is $75 and all they do is test for PT, so why do it? At least that is the attitude in Texas. If they tested for AI or had some other benefit then we would consider it.

Bob

[Patrick]

Many years ago, I started looking into it, but finally stopped. There are varying "levels" of certification, and different requirements for each. The bottom line is: landfowl need testing, waterfowl don't. The regs are quite confusing and seemingly contradictory, as I remember. Not surprising, given the source. I never bothered looking into the real answer for the reason for the difference. It's something along the lines of waterfowl being asymptomatic carriers, but there is obviously much more to it, otherwise waterfowl would be passing it on to landfowl, and many of us keep both, with clean certification for our landfowl. I bet that old man Neil can explain it.

The question that I've never gotten an explanation for, is why do only two states (that I've found so far) require testing on pigeons and doves? Massachusetts, one of the strictest in the nation with regard to enforcing the testing requirement, albeit, "selectively", doesn't require pigeons to be tested, yet NH, who has never had a single inspector at any fair or show I've ever been to in the state, does require that I catch up all of my pigeons and test them with the landfowl each year. Pennsylvania, also with strict regulations, and effectively closed to out of state poultry exhibitors, apparently doesn't require pigeons to be tested, and every year hosts one of the largest pigeon shows in the country, attracting exhibitors from many states.

This is one of the reasons why it's good that the national clubs become involved with NPIP, to clarify these types of questions, among other good reasons.

[Gamebird7]

I was just wondering because some sellers list their stuff as being NPIP and AI certified so I thought maybe it was 2 different tests. I knew what AI(avian influenza) was and it has pollorum typhoid and AI on my certification but no NPIP anywhere. All cleared up now, thanks for all the info,

Chad

[Patrick]

By testing for one or several of the diseases, you become involved in the National Poultry Improvement Program. NPIP certification by itself, means little, as Evy pointed out, if you're not testing for the relevant disease, or all of them which your species is susceptible to. Turkeys have several more diseases which one can test for, under NPIP rules, but many people still only test them for PT, and maybe AI, and claim "NPIP Certification". Bottom line, most of us test because we have to, for what they tell us we are required to, in order to get the necessary documentation to do what we want to with our birds. Like anything else, some stretch the truth when it benefits them, or do so just out of ignorance.

[MattL]

The NPIP program is administered differently in every state, that's is most of the problem. Here in Ohio we can join for $35 for less than a 50 bird flock and $50 for more than 50. A tester will test your flock for Pullorum and certified AI testers will test for that if you want them to. I had both done a month or so ago and it was relatively painless. It does make it easier to travel from state to state as most states will accept the NPIP papers without additional testing. If you travel alot to out of state shows or you are selling eggs, chicks and adult stock and shipping them it would probably be benifical to join the program. If you keep your birds at home and do not sell the extras, I would see not point in belonging.
MattL

[Bob308]

The NPIP program is administered differently in every state, that's is most of the problem. Here in Ohio we can join for $35 for less than a 50 bird flock and $50 for more than 50. A tester will test your flock for Pullorum and certified AI testers will test for that if you want them to. I had both done a month or so ago and it was relatively painless. It does make it easier to travel from state to state as most states will accept the NPIP papers without additional testing. If you travel alot to out of state shows or you are selling eggs, chicks and adult stock and shipping them it would probably be benifical to join the program. If you keep your birds at home and do not sell the extras, I would see not point in belonging.
MattL

When they test for AI is it listed on your NPIP papers that you are AI free? How many birds do they test?

I allow the Texas Animal Health Commission to test for AI when they come for an inspection to get my license to sell off premise. They test about 10 females. It is only a good will gesture on my part, not mandatory. I never see any results. I believe it is a program funded by Home Land Security
I usually have the females ready and they are of my choosing, I never let them swab a show bird. I am not fond of how they do it.

[MattL]

Bob,
They tested 20% of the flock about 30 birds, I got a copy of the test back and they were all negative. I have not got my NPIP Certificate yet to see if the AI status is listed. You are correct, the testing is funded by the Federal Government and they are not sure how long that will get funded.
Matt

[Patrick]

I'm not worried about the funding drying up anytime soon for this, even in this economy. With NAIS, or just their desire to eventually impliment some type of tracking system, they're trying to encourage as many people to sign up as possible, to ID the premises. Hence my less than appreciative reaction to my inspector when it first became "free" in my state. As if they're doing US the favor.

Some more of the contradictions: in my state, 100% testing of suseptible birds on the premises is required, no matter if it's a tiny button quail, or highly excitable pheasant which are at risk from just the restraint required to bleed them. Ridiculous, especially for AI, which, if one has it, they all do. Swabbing is not an option here, blood testing only. IMO, one of the most ridiculous practices is allowing testing to be done at shows, rather than before hand. In the northeast, that is not allowed. Lets all just gather several thousand birds together, and test them when they get here. If we find some positives, oops, let's hope that the others don't get anything while they're here. I can't imagine trying to show a white birs after getting it tested at a show. I realize that many testers are carefull, but accidents do happen. I wonder how many show birds have been rendered unshowable that day, by being tested at a show and loosing tail or primary feathers?

I love that some states allow private testers, after taking a class, to even test their own birds. Sure, there's never any corners cut there, yet some states, such as Massachusetts, won't even allow one of their own official legbands to serve as proof of testing. They require the paperwork.