What is NPIP? A Beginner’s Guide

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NPIP, VS 9-3 form, Pullorum-Typhoid…so many terms that can be confusing when you research buying or selling chickens. You’re not alone in being confused.

It’s even more frustrating to learn that requirements for buying and shipping across the country, or even just joining NPIP, can differ by state. This guide is here to help explain the basics and how to find those details for your state.

NPIP Basics

NPIP is the acronym for the National Poultry Improvement Plan. It is a voluntary program involving federal, state, industry, and individual members.

Although NPIP is a voluntary program, participation is generally necessary if you plan to legally ship poultry or hatching eggs across state lines. Many backyard chicken keepers who only sell locally never need to join.

Established in 1935, its purpose is to control and eliminate poultry diseases by monitoring flocks where chicks and eggs are sold across state lines. The program also works to standardize entry requirements and testing between states.

However, each state has its own requirements on testing and biosecurity evaluation (incubator and coop setup and cleanliness) but all participating states do test for avian influenza and Salmonella pallorum. Some states test for more poultry diseases than just those two, but not all known poultry diseases are tested.

NPIP certifies that, as of their specific testing date, a particular poultry flock (or an appropriate sample size) is free from the tested diseases.

In most situations, live poultry and hatching eggs require NPIP documentation and accompanying paperwork to move across state lines.

NPIP is not exclusive to chickens. All poultry fall under their purview so quail, guinea fowl, turkeys, and the like can be tested.

How Much Does NPIP Cost?

The short answer is that it varies by state. Some states don’t charge anything for participation while others charge an annual fee to cover testing costs.

If you need additional testing besides the mandated twice a year, you might incur additional costs.

How Does NPIP Testing Work?

While states can have differing participation requirements, generally testing is done twice a year for avian influenza and once a year for Salmonella pallorum. For the initial visit, all birds over 16 weeks old are tested. Afterwards all birds over 16 weeks of age in flocks under 300 birds are tested while only a sample (up to 300 birds) are tested in larger flocks. 

Biosecurity checks on coop and run setups along with cleanliness of incubating and brooding areas may occur at the initial or all testing instances.

It’s always helpful to determine what is required, especially for the initial visit, by contacting your tester or the state body overseeing testing. Ask about what you should provide, the general process, and what they need to see (incubators, coop, run, etc.)

In both states we participated in, it was our responsibility to reach out to the tester to remember and set up the dates for testing.

Again, requirements can differ from state to state so reaching out to your state’s coordinator is key. Generally you can find contact information by Googling “NPIP” plus your state’s name. 

What Is a VS Form 9-3?

VS Form 9-3 is the official NPIP document used by USDA APHIS (United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) to monitor poultry movement between states in the case of disease outbreaks.

VS stands for veterinary services, a division of the USDA APHIS. This form is required for all interstate movement of poultry whether it be live birds or eggs. NPIP participants must retain copies of their forms for at least three years. The form must be signed by the state inspector which is easily done with many states adopting an electronic submission and approval system. After approval, the form is sent to the receiving state, the shipper (seller), and the originating state agency.

This form helps to standardize information shared between states regarding poultry movement for disease monitoring purposes.

Once your birds are cleared after testing, you’ll receive paperwork with a certificate stating your NPIP number. You can then submit shipping information for crossing state lines. Some states have an automated form online while others are less robust and require just an email to a coordinator.

The information you’ll need to provide is:

• The poultry stock number
• Your flock’s location information
• The recipient’s information (name, address, email)
• Whether you’re shipping eggs or live birds
• The number of eggs or live poultry to be shipped
• Their intended use (meat, breeding, etc.)

You’ll wait for approval and include the NPIP VS Form 9-3 in the shipment to the buyer.

Benefits of NPIP

Should you join NPIP as a chicken breeder? Here are some benefits to being a member.

Interstate Shipping

With NPIP testing and certification, you can legally advertise and  ship live birds and eggs across state lines. Yes, there are definitely people who do it without NPIP certification but, if found out, can face heavy fines. The potential fines and legal consequences simply aren’t worth the risk.

Shipping out-of-state opens up a whole new revenue stream as your reach in your own state can only go so far.

Buyer Confidence

Many buyers (myself included) seek out NPIP participants to purchase from because certification adds an extra level of prestige to the flock. Buyers know that your operation is tested at least twice a year and is following proper biosecurity measures.

Caveat: NPIP certification means that the flock (or sample of the flock) is free of certain diseases at the time of testing only. It doesn’t mean that the flock is disease free in between testing. Also not all states inspect operation setups so biosecurity measures are not always guaranteed. Caveat emptor – buyer beware.

Disease Monitoring

Not only is your flock being monitored, but, depending on your state, you’ll be notified of a disease outbreak should it occur near you. We had such a case in a nearby county where a farm tested positive for avian influenza. We were notified via email by the state of Tennessee.

Now for the core diseases that NPIP tests for, you would more than likely already know if your flock is being impacted. Those diseases cause lethargy and a quick death. If you know your birds, you’ll know something is wrong.

Industry Recognition

Each state publishes a list of tested NPIP participants. This can potentially bring more buyers to you who are looking for your particular bird or someone in their state participating in NPIP.

Having your NPIP certification number posted on your website or socials lends prestige and confidence to your flock for potential buyers. NPIP can function as a club, of sorts, where participants recognize each other and can promote each other.

Caveat: Just because a flock is part of NPIP does not mean that the flock is automatically taken care of, the breeds are maintained properly, or that biosecurity measures are followed. Caveat emptor – buyer beware.

Drawbacks of NPIP

It’s not all rainbows and puppy dogs when joining NPIP. Here are some drawbacks to consider.

Annual Costs

Depending on your state, there may be an annual fee to join NPIP. And that cost differs by state. This cost would need to factor into your selling prices so that the annual fee plus time, shipping supplies, etc. are covered and you’re not selling at a loss.

If buying from non-NPIP flocks, you must quarantine them from your flock and schedule an additional NPIP testing for those birds. This additional testing request may incur an additional fee.

Culling if Sick

For certain reportable diseases, if your birds become sick they will be culled. While NPIP (ultimately taxpayers) will pay you for the birds culled, the full cost of starting over can never be fully covered. Consider the quarantine time you must wait before bringing in new birds to your operation, how long it might take to secure new breeding stock for your particular needs, and how long it’ll take for those birds to start laying again.

Also you must cull even if your birds survive the disease. Even if the flock could lead to hardier and more resilient stock to surviving that disease. This is a frustrating aspect of the program.

Time Commitment

Depending on the size of your flock, you’ll need to set aside time to personally oversee the testing for your birds. If you have a large flock it can become a multi-day operation.

Administrative Burden

You’ll also need to spend the time entering the shipping information to your state while waiting on their approval for VS Form 9-3 before shipping. Also consider the time to maintain proper records throughout the year regarding biosecurity measures, flock care, and buyer information.

Public Information Concerns

Unfortunately NPIP participation does not favor the smaller, backyard flocks at members’ homes. NPIP must publish the location of the flock, so if this is your personal home, your address will be listed online for anyone to access along with your phone number and name. Large corporations like Tyson Foods doesn’t worry about this doxxing because they are a large commercial operation where personal employee information is not shared with NPIP.

Now, of course, you can usually find personal information online but adding another access point is less than appealing for small chicken tenders. 

Is NPIP Worth It?

It depends.

Might be worth it:

• Ship nationwide frequently
• Required for programs you participate in (exhibition shows)
• Household depends on hatchery income
• Exhibition/show participants
• Breeding a highly sought after or saturated market breed

Might not be worth it:

• Primarily sell locally
• Cost outweighs the benefits
• Privacy concerns are high
• Maintain a small flock where the income isn’t significant to your household

Like I thought when starting out, many very small breeders join NPIP because it’s the “professional” or “proper” thing to do. However, this can go awry when they realize:

• They rarely ship out of state
• Testing and renewal fees add up
• Packing, shipping, advertising, and administrative burdens aren’t insignificant
• Their home address and phone number becomes publicly available
• Buyer interest may not cover costs and effort for years

Without joining NPIP, small breeders can still practice appropriate biosecurity, manage their flock to breed standards, raise birds with care, and sell in state. If you start small and work on your breed and reputation in state, it can be easier to justify joining NPIP and shipping interstate later on.

Here are some facts that large NPIP breeders sometimes don’t want to admit are true:

• There are excellent breeders who don’t join NPIP and prefer to focus locally
• There are NPIP breeders who don’t take care of their birds or adhere to breed standards

The decision to join NPIP truly depends on your goals for your flock and homestead. With low barriers to entry, it doesn’t hurt to join (if you’re okay with everything the program requires) and try it out.

More Places to Research

Facebook, for good or bad, has some great groups for those joining NPIP. Here are a few below you might be interested in.

NPIP Breeder Directory and everything else NPIP

Good Egg, Bad Egg

Final Thoughts

Joining NPIP can open up many opportunities for small and large chicken breeders alike. It’s a great tool to reach new buyers and to get to know others in their chicken community.

However, whether it’s worth your while depends entirely on your goals. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of your particular state’s requirements to join. However, most barriers to entry are low so you can join to try it out and always leave at a later date.

FAQ

Is NPIP required everywhere?

NPIP is required to legally ship anywhere in the 50 states plus Puerto Rico. However, it is a voluntary program.

Can I leave NPIP later?

Yes! We left NPIP after a few years and you can read more about our story here. Leaving was as easy as sending an email.

What is NPIP certification?

The National Poultry Improvement Plan is a voluntary state, federal, and breeder cooperation that monitors and tests poultry diseases. Certification is required for poultry (including hatching eggs) crossing state lines.

Does NPIP mean a flock is disease-free?

No, NPIP can only certify that a flock (or a sample of that flock) is disease free on the particular day of testing. Don’t be fooled if someone purports that their flock is automatically always disease free just because of their NPIP participation. NPIP also doesn’t test for every disease that could affect poultry.

Is NPIP just for chickens?

No, NPIP covers all poultry like quail, ducks, turkeys, chickens, guineas, emus, etc.

Can you sell hatching eggs without NPIP?

First, always consult your state and local laws. In most states you can sell hatching eggs in your own state without the need for any sort of certification. To cross state lines, you generally need NPIP certification.

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