Emily Herr

By Emily Herr

The Scoop Digital Newspaper: April 2025

The National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) is a cooperative federal-state-industry program established in the United States in the 1930s. Its primary purpose is to protect and improve the health of poultry by controlling and eradicating certain hatchery-disseminated diseases.  

Here’s a breakdown of why NPIP is important for poultry:

• Disease Control and Eradication: The NPIP focuses on preventing and controlling the spread of economically significant poultry diseases. It started with the goal of eliminating Pullorum disease (caused by Salmonella Pullorum) and has expanded to include diseases like Avian Influenza, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, and Mycoplasma synoviae.  
• Improved Flock Health: By adhering to NPIP standards, poultry owners can maintain healthier flocks, reducing the incidence of disease, mortality, and associated economic losses.  
• Facilitates Interstate and International Movement: Being an NPIP participant often simplifies the process of selling and transporting poultry across state and even international borders, as many regions and countries require NPIP certification or equivalent testing.  
• Market Access and Consumer Confidence: NPIP certification provides assurance to buyers that the poultry they are purchasing comes from flocks that have been tested and meet specific disease control standards. This can be a valuable marketing tool and builds consumer trust.  
• Exhibition Requirements: Many poultry shows and exhibitions require birds to originate from NPIP-certified flocks or test negative for certain diseases, making NPIP participation beneficial for exhibitors.
• Early Disease Detection: The regular testing and monitoring involved in NPIP help in the early detection of diseases, allowing for prompt intervention and preventing widespread outbreaks.
• Biosecurity Enhancement: NPIP encourages the implementation of enhanced biosecurity practices on poultry farms, which are crucial in preventing the introduction and spread of various diseases.  
• Standardized Testing and Terminology: The NPIP establishes standardized testing protocols and disease classifications, providing a consistent framework across the poultry industry.  

In essence, NPIP serves as a vital infrastructure for safeguarding the health and economic viability of the poultry industry in the United States by establishing and maintaining standards for disease prevention, control, and certification.  

The author would like to thank Sugar Feather Farm for providing the inspiration for this article.

Check out Sugar Feather Farm for all your fowl needs.

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