Definitions

Illustration of a farm with chickens, a barn, a veterinary van, and mountains in the background.

Avian Influenza (AI) Testing
A laboratory test that checks birds for avian influenza viruses, especially H5 and H7 strains. Some states require proof of recent AI testing or NPIP “Avian Influenza Clean” status for movement, exhibition, or sale.

Barrier
Physical protections, like fences or netting, that stop wildlife, pests, or people from entering your bird’s space.

Biosecurity
Refers to all the actions and physical barriers used to keep diseases—caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi,
parasites, and other germs—away from birds, property, and people. It includes:

Structural Biosecurity: The design, physical setup, and maintenance of coops, pens, and surrounding areas to prevent disease.
Operational Biosecurity: The daily procedures and practices, such as cleaning, using foot wash stations, isolating birds, and monitoring for illness, to reduce the risk of spreading germs.

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)
An official health document issued by a licensed veterinarian. It shows that your birds have been examined, are healthy, and meet the import requirements of the destination state. CVIs are commonly valid for about 30 days, but the exact period is set by each state.

Clean
The process of removing visible dirt, manure, and organic materials from surfaces such as coops, feeders,
and waterers. This includes:

Dry Cleaning: Removing loose debris like feed, litter, and manure.
Wet Cleaning: Using water and detergents to wash away remaining residues, followed by rinsing
and drying.

Contamination
Contamination occurs when harmful substances, such as germs (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites) or chemicals make food, water, surfaces, or environments unsafe. This can lead to health risks for birds, animals, and people.

Disease
An illness that affects the normal health of birds, animals, or people. Diseases can be caused by germs such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, or by environmental factors, poor care, or genetic issues.

Disinfect
Disinfection involves applying chemicals to kill or reduce the number of germs on surfaces (e.g., Lysol). It’s important to choose a disinfectant effective against the specific germs you’re targeting and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

Flock
A group of birds, such as chickens, ducks, game birds or turkeys, raised together.

Fomite
Inanimate objects or surfaces, such as tools, clothing, feed buckets, or equipment, that can carry and transmit germs, parasites, or diseases to your flock when contaminated.

Germs
Germs are tiny organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that can cause sickness in birds and people. They are found in many places, such as air, soil, water, and on our bodies.

Immune System
The body’s natural defense system, including the skin, mucus, white blood cells, and antibodies, that works to protect against germs like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

Import Permit
Written authorization from the State Animal Health Office that allows poultry or hatching eggs to enter the state. Some states require an import permit in addition to a CVI or VS 9-3. Always check with the state you are importing to confirm if a permit is required.

Isolate
To keep sick or potentially sick birds apart from healthy flock members to prevent the spread of disease.
Isolation continues until the bird recovers or no longer poses a risk to others.

NPIP / National Poultry Improvement Plan
The NPIP is a voluntary USDA program run in partnership with the states. It is a cooperative testing and certification program for poultry breeding flocks, hatcheries, dealers, and hatching eggs. NPIP focuses on diseases such as Pullorum-Typhoid and Avian Influenza. Certified flocks are tested regularly and can use the VS 9-3 form for interstate movement.

Pullorum-Typhoid (P-T) Testing
A blood test that checks if birds carry Pullorum Disease or Fowl Typhoid, two contagious poultry diseases. All states require proof of P-T Clean status before birds can be moved, shown, or sold. This can be met either through a recent negative P-T test or by being part of an NPIP participating flock, where testing is done routinely.

Quarantine

Flock level: Keeping new or returning birds apart from the main flock for a set period to watch for signs of illness.
Regulatory (FAD response): A state or federal order restricting the movement of poultry, poultry products, or equipment in and out of a defined area to prevent the spread of disease.

Reliable Source
A trusted breeder, hatchery, or seller that prioritizes healthy birds and biosecurity.

Separate
To keep birds apart based on their health status or risk, whether they are new, sick, or of a different species. Separation reduces the chances of spreading germs and helps maintain flock health.

State Animal Health Official
The State Animal Health Official (SAHO), often called the State Veterinarian, oversees animal health programs. Their work includes preventing and controlling livestock diseases, protecting the state’s food supply, and managing requirements for moving animals into or out of the state.

New Mexico: New Mexico Livestock Board, State Veterinarian’s Office
Colorado: Colorado Department of Agriculture, State Veterinarian’s Office
Wyoming: Wyoming Livestock Board, State Veterinarian’s Office

Transmission
How germs move from one bird, animal, or surface to another. Vector (e.g., Disease-Carrying Wildlife and Pests) living organisms, such as rodents, wild birds, or insects, that can transmit infectious germs, parasites, or diseases to your flock, often through bites or direct contact.

VS 9-3 Form
A shipping form used by flocks enrolled in the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). It verifies that poultry or hatching eggs come from a flock that meets NPIP disease testing standards. Only NPIP flocks in good standing with their state program can use this form.

Waste
Things like manure, used bedding, or spoiled food that need to be safely removed to keep the area clean and healthy.