HPBAA's goal with this page is to discuss with it's viewers the importance of being NPIP certified. While there are certainly loop holes in this nations attempt at keeping down diseases, complying with the law when shipping eggs is strongly recommended by HPBAA. To learn more about NPIP certification, contact your states department of agriculture. NPIP simply stands for National Poultry Improvement Plan. HPBAA has attached a link to one of our members website, Mr. Gary Daily II. Mr. Daily is an NPIP tester for his state. He has a page on his site that gives detailed information about the requirements of shipping eggs in the United States.
The National Poultry Improvement Plan
The truth about NPIP Certification is this. In the State of Tennessee, flocks are tested for Pollorum, Typhoid, and Avian Bird Flu. Other states either require more or less in their testing procedures. The cost may be different and that process more or less complicated. However, regardless of the requirement in your state IT IS THE LAW TO SHIP FROM FLOCKS THAT HAVE BEEN NPIP TESTED. HPBAA, IS NOT responsible for any members actions of refusing to ship by the law. We can only tell you what the law is. We cannot make you go by it.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHIP WITHOUT NPIP CERTIFICATION?
In most cases, nothing happens. The states and the U.S. Postal Service have not gotten on the same page with the program. Until they do, eggs and birds will continue to get shipped without the proper certification. The worst case sinerio is that the eggs are confiscated at the local post office and the buyer never receives them. The breeder will get a nasty letter regarding the requirement for NPIP certification. To the best of HPBAA's knowledge, there has not been a fine issued in the U.S. for shipping without NPIP certification. This is subject to change and HPBAA is not responsible if you do get fined for not complying with your state's laws.
WHAT IF I GET A DISEASE FROM A BREEDER'S SHIPMENT TO ME?
Most transportable diseases are not tested for even in an NPIP certified flock. With that said, a disease may still be obtained from an NPIP certified breeder. HPBAA IS NOT responsible if a disease gets transported to you. However, the breeder will be questioned about their decision to ship eggs or birds from a flock that may have presented symptoms of sickness prior to shipment. Some diseases transported do not exhibit symptoms in the breeding flock. If a breeders is found to have a disease in their flock and they continue to ship from that flock, they will be removed as a member of this site. If it is a one time thing, the breeder will be expected to act with integrity toward the buyer and make it right. Failure to do so will also result in being removed as a member of this site.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DISEASES NOT TESTED FOR BY NPIP?
Again, this will vary from state to state. In most cases, the following transportable diseases are not tested for in an NPIP flock.
1. Mycoplasma,
2. Cholera
3. Pasturella
4. Coccid
5. Mareks
6. Any form of worm or parasite.
Diseases 4. - 6. are transported by live birds only. Other diseases not mentioned here may or may not be tested for during NPIP certification but still transported by egg or bird to a buyer. HPBAA strongly suggest that all shipments be quarantined for a period of time before mixing with other birds or eggs.
State NPIP Requirements and Cost: These are in alphabetical order by state. All fees are yearly with testing of birds being required every year for renewal. All states require Pollorum, Thyphoid, & Avian Bird Flu testing on all birds 4 months of age and older.
AK: No Cost
AL: Health Certificate from a vet required at vets charge, Hatchery Permit: $5.00, & $4.00 per year testing fee.
AZ: No Cost
AR: Inspection Fee: $30.00, Salmonella Swabs for Incubators: $7.00. & Pollorum/Thyphoid testing & banding per bird: $0.30. All yearly.
CA:
CO:
CT: Inspection Fee: $1.00 to $1.65 per sample for Pollorum/Thyphoid & AI. Salmonella testing is $35.00 per sample. State decides the number of samples done.
DE: No Cost
FL: No Cost
GA: Inspection Fee: $8.00 & Pollorum/Thyphoid test per bird: $0.35.
ID: Breeders purchase antigens & equipment for Pollorum, Thyphoid, & Salmonella testing. There is no cost other than supplies purchased.
IL: No Cost
IN: Inspection Fee: $80.00. Fee covers membership to Indianna State Poultry Association, and testing for Pollorum, Thyphoid, salmonella, mycoplasma, and Avian Bird Flu yearly.
IA: Inspection Fee: $20.00.
KS: Inspection Fee: $30.00 with a $0.50 to $1.00 fee per bird tested. You pay $80.00 to $100.00 for the antigen used. You must have a certified person test your flock or become a certified tester & test your own flock. This state does not provide testers & a tester or training will be at your own expense.
KY: No Cost
LA: No Cost, but must pay a LA vet to do the testing.
ME:
MD:
MA: No Cost
MI: Inspection Fee: $25.00 & Renewal Fee is $10.00 to maintain status.
MN: Inspection Fee: $25.00. You learn to test & test your own flock. It is mandatory you attend a class for testing to both become a tester and test your flock.
MS:
MO: No Cost
MT:
NE:
NV: Inspection Fee: $5.00 to $7.00 per bird depending upon the number of birds the state decides to test at the time of inspection.
NH:
NJ: Inspection Fees: $5.00 for the first 25 birds and $0.20 for each additional bird after that up to 300 birds. Above 300 birds is a flat $60.00 charge.
NM:
NY: Health Certificate from a vet required at vets charge & no cost by state for test.
NC: Inspection Fee: $0.05 per bird with a $5.00 minimum.
ND: Breeder must find a tester and pay their fees or pay to become a tester and then test their own flock. Training is done by MN. Testing materials not provided by either state.
OH:
OK: Inspection Fee: $5.00
OR:
PA:
RI: No Cost
SC: If you use a certified state tester, the cost is $0.20 per bird. Private tester may cost more or less.
SD: Health Certificate from a vet required at vets charge & no cost by state to test.
TN: Inspection Fee: $25.00
TX:
UT: Breeder must pay for a vet inspection and admission fees of the lab of which the vet submits the tests to. Cost will vary, but average $8.00 submission fee to lab and $5.00 per type test done. This is vets decision.
VT: Inspection Fee: Varies. The basic response from this state is that it will depend upon what the state inspector decides to test for other than the basic requirements plus how long the inspector is at your farm.
VA:
WA: You draw the blood from your own flock and send it to an appointed lab. The cost is $1.00 to $2.00 per sample plus a $10.00 administration fee. A WA vet will come to your property yearly for a record check to see if you have purchased any birds that are not NPIP tested.
WV:
WI: Inspection Fees: $20.00/Exhibition Birds, $30.00/Gamebirds, $40.00 if you have less than 1,000 birds & $50.00 if you have more than 1,000 birds. Mycoplasma test required for turkeys.
WY: No Cost. Breeder pays $80.00 to $100.00 for the antigen used for testing.