By: Noelle Moser (Kuntry Klucker)
When it comes to keeping backyard chickens, there are decisions that a keeper needs to make. In addition to breeds and coops, whether or not to have a rooster, there is NPIP certification. In this article, I will detail what NPIP Certification is and if it is something to consider for your flock.
What is NPIP Certification?
In short, NPIP stands for National Poultry Improvement Plan. The NPIP is a voluntary program overseen by the United States of Agriculture (USDA) and managed by each state. The program monitors flocks and hatcheries for diseases that can devastate chicken populations and create problems for the poultry industry or backyard chicken enthusiasts.
The NPIP program was established in 1935 to eliminate Pullorum, a disease that devastated the poultry industry in the late 1920s. The program was later refined to include backyard chicken keepers and test for other serious diseases such as Salmonella Pullorum, Salmonella Gallinarum, Salmonella Enteritidis, Mycoplasma Synaviae, Mycoplasma meleagridis, and in 2006 Avian Influenza. USDA APHIS | National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP)
NPIP Certified hatcheries adhere to established standards that ensure the birds they sell are free from the diseases listed above. Testing involves blood samples from their flocks, swabs from their birds' throats, and sanitation and biosecurity procedures.
Hatcheries are required to test their flocks for the diseases included in the certification set out by the USDA. Testing procedures can vary from state to state; most require testing for Avian Influenza (AI) and various forms of Salmonella. Typically a cross-selection of 300 birds will be tested. If an establishment has less than 300 birds, every bird is tested and re-test annually to keep its certification up to date.
So what does this mean for the backyard flock owner?
As a prospective backyard chicken keeper looking to start or add to an existing flock, it is best to buy from a breeder that is NPIP Certified. Most hatcheries are certified a few out there are not. Some will list on their webpage that they are NPIP Certified with their certification number. If you do not see where they are NPIP certified, ask. Any NPIP-certified establishment will readily and freely prove certification and produce their NPIP certification number. If they are certified, you can be sure that you are buying from a reputable breeder or hatchery that holds animal husbandry to the highest standard.
As a backyard chicken keeper, if you plan on breeding or selling chicks and chickens, it is a good idea to get your flock NPIP Certified. Not only are you ensuring that your flock is healthy and selling healthy birds, but it also offers protection should the birds be reported sick. If there is an investigation into the origin of the birds sold, you will have protection that your flock is NPIP Certified. That's not to say that just because a source is NPIP Certified birds' cannot get sick. It will reveal in the event of an investigation that your flock is healthy, undergo routine health inspections, and is documented by your State Veterinarian.
It will give you peace of mind. For example, if there is an outbreak of AI in your area, a State Veterinarian will be dispatched to your home to test your birds. Since your property is cataloged by county offices that you have chickens' you will get a knock at your door requesting to test your flock. Some people find this comforting, while others find it intrusive. Some feel that registering a flock and having them NPIP Certified relinquishes too much control to "Big Brother"; this is where the individual keeper's preference comes into play. I have my flock NPIP Certified. Not only do I find it comforting that should AI be detected in my area, the USDA would also be on it testing my birds. But if I sell any chicks or adult laying hens, I am confident I am selling healthy birds and have the certification to back it up.
How does an owner certify their flock?
If you decide that NPIP certification is something you want to do, getting them certified is very easy. Look up your State Veterinarian on the web or in the phone book and call. Tell them you are a backyard chicken keeper and want to have your flock NPIP certified.
Your information will be recorded, you will get a call from a USDA inspector in a few days to schedule a testing date. If your flock is large, 50 birds or more, plan on taking the day off work. The agents will test every one of your birds individually.
The inspectors will take a small sample of blood and swab their throats. You will be responsible for retrieving each bird, bringing them to the inspectors, and keeping track of the birds tested. Once tested, birds are issued ankle bracelets with a number; numbers are specific to each bird and logged into a computer. This number is their state ID. Should you need to call the State Veterinarian about a bird, you will need to reference the number on their ankle bracelet.
This is another perk of having your flock NPIP Certified. If you have any questions regarding health or other illness, you have someone to call. Many local Vets will not see "livestock" in their office. They may be able to answer some general questions advising you in detail, but they may be limited. The State Veterinarian will know how to direct your questions to qualified sources.
In my early days, I called my local State Vet several times to clarify issues or find treatment directions for basic illnesses. If you call due to suspicious symptoms, an inspector will be dispatched to your property to test your birds. If you have suspicious deaths (you do not know the cause), they will conduct a necropsy or an animal autopsy on the deceased birds to determine what took the animal's life. It will be determined if this is something to be concerned about concerning the rest of your flock. They are an immense source of information and guidance if you find yourself in a situation where you need expert advice or help.
How much does it cost to get your flock NPIP Certified?
The final aspect of NPIP Certification that I will touch on is how much it costs. The cost depends on your state; each state will have different rates and procedures for how they go about conducting an NPIP certification. In my state of Tennessee, State Vet charged $25 for an inspection and certification. It is in the state's interest that keepers certify their flocks so they make it simple and affordable.
Each year your flock will be up for renewal. Each year the flock owner is required to pay the nominal fee to renew their NPIP Certificate. The fee is rendered at the time of service directly to the inspectors after they tested all my birds. Several days after the inspection of your flock takes place, you will receive a card in the mail with your issued NPIP Participant #. This is for your records to prove your NPIP status. Below is an outdated card I received for an NPIP Certification several years ago.
I have never regretted getting my flock NPIP Certified. Although not an active breeder, I find value in knowing that my flock is healthy. I also found the NPIP certification process valuable in learning how to conduct my health inspections on my birds and what dangerous symptoms to look for concerning illness in my flock. The most important aspect of the value of the NPIP process is the network of contacts I can call should I find myself in an unfortunate situation where I need professional help for my flock. There is peace of mind knowing that I am only a phone call away from knowledgeable people should I need to tap into that resource.
I hope this article has helped you decide if NPIP Certification is for your flock. It's not for everyone but for those interested, there are many advantages. I learned much about the process and my girls from having my flock NPIP Certified.
