ogical advances to improve the overall poultry industry in order for trade to continue unimpeded.
If the votes pass, then the new language is incorporated into the Code of Federal Regulations through the federal rule making process. The changes are made and distributed to the states, which in turn are responsible for overseeing that the participants follow the current provisions.
Who are the participants?
The NPIP is a voluntary program. However, once a participant decides to join, he or she is required to follow the provisions as specified in the relevant section of the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 9, Parts 145, 146, 147, and 56) or as contained within the NPIP Program Standards document.
The foundation for the program was intended to be for breeding poultry since Salmonella pullorum is a "vertically" transmitted disease, meaning it can pass from adult birds to their offspring. Since the program's inception, other types of poultry besides breeding stock have been added.
Each subpart in the regulations contains definitions for participation. The NPIP has provisions for the following types of poultry: multiplier meat-type breeding flocks, meat-type primary breeding flocks, multiplier egg-type breeding flocks, primary egg-type breeding flocks, turkey breeding flocks, meat-type waterfowl breeding flocks, ratite breeding flocks (ostrich, emu, cassowary), and WEGBY breeding flocks (waterfowl, exhibition fowl, game birds, and backyard birds). Provisions are also in place for meat-type slaughter plants, turkey slaughter plants, commercial table-egg layer flocks, commercial upland game birds, commercial waterfowl, raised for release game birds, and raised for release waterfowl.
What are the benefits of participation?
There are several benefits to becoming a participant in the NPIP program. One of the most important benefits is to ensure that flocks are healthy and disease free of Plan diseases. Several diseases of breeding poultry can be transmitted vertically from the hen to her offspring, and a number of those diseases can be prevented by being a participating in the NPIP because the organization's breeder programs certify that hens are free of such vertically transmitted diseases.
Exhibition birds which are already participants in the NPIP can attend fairs, shows, and other events without having to be tested again for Salmonella pullorum and Salmonella gallinarum before traveling to a show. Because the NPIP has such an outstanding history for preventing, controlling, and eradicating diseases, most states require that any poultry entering into their state be an NPIP participant. Therefore, participation is essential for trading, buying and selling poultry in the US.
Along with the benefits of trading and attending fairs, shows, and poultry events, NPIP participants gain a measure of insurance should disaster strike. Current federal regulations authorize up to 100 percent indemnification to be paid to bird owners should avian influenza infect their flocks. One of the first questions asked in the event of an incident is, “Are they an NPIP participant?”
How can I participate?
It’s easy: Any person producing or dealing in poultry products can participate. To find out more information on what the NPIP has to offer, the first step is to contact the OSA in your state. Minor differences in state administration of the NPIP exist. Some OSAs may require participants to go above and beyond the minimum requirements of the NPIP, so don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions to make sure that you fully understand the NPIP program within your particular state. The OSA will ask questions about the type of poultry flock you have, the primary purpose they are being raised, and current construction of the premises, like hatchery, dealer, or independent flock.
Next, an authorized agent will be sent to your farm to test your birds for Salmonella pullorum and Salmonella gallinarum. To be a NPIP participant you must test negative of these two diseases. If you are interested in any other NPIP programs, the authorized agent will collect appropriate 