NPIP History
The National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) is a cooperative federal-state-industry program established in 1935 to eliminate seed-stock poultry diseases in the United States. Originating as a joint initiative between the USDA, state agencies, and commercial poultry producers, the program was created to combat Pullorum disease (caused by Salmonella pullorum), a bacterial infection that severely threatened the nation’s turkey and chicken populations in the early 20th century.
Today, the NPIP sets nationwide standards for disease testing, biosecurity, and sanitation across commercial operations, backyard flocks, hatcheries, and hobby farms. Participation is voluntary, but joining the plan offers key benefits:
Disease Certification: Proves your flock is officially certified free of major pathogens such as Avian Influenza, Pullorum-Typhoid, and Mycoplasma.
Interstate & International Travel: Simplifies required testing and documentation for shipping, selling, or showing birds across state lines and internationally.
Flock Protection: Grants access to standard biosecurity protocols and diagnostic monitoring to safeguard your birds against devastating outbreaks.
By maintaining high health standards, the NPIP protects both small hobbyists and the broader U.S. poultry industry.
While veterinarians play a vital role in medical care, using a state-certified Authorized Testing Agent (ATA) for routine NPIP flock certification offers clear practical advantages for bird owners:
Lower Cost: Veterinarians charge standard farm-call, appointment, and clinical consultation fees in addition to testing costs. ATAs operate at significantly lower rates or flat fees strictly tailored to routine flock testing and leg banding.
Specialized NPIP Expertise: ATAs complete state-mandated training specifically focused on NPIP protocols, blood-sampling techniques, and official paperwork handling. Many general-practice veterinarians rarely treat poultry and may not stock the fresh antigen required for rapid plate testing.
Greater Availability & Convenience: Finding a local veterinarian willing to conduct farm visits for poultry can be challenging. ATAs are often local poultry keepers, extension agents, or state inspectors who routinely travel to backyard flocks, swap meets, and county fairs.
Streamlined State Processing: ATAs maintain direct working relationships with the Official State Agency (OSA), ensuring test reports, band logs, and annual recertifications are submitted and processed without administrative delays.