National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP)
How to Join NPIP
To enroll, visit our Contact Us page to reach your state NPIP office for Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico.
From a different state?
General information about NPIP
What is NPIP?
The NPIP is a voluntary USDA program run with state partners to keep flocks healthy by setting standards for disease testing, biosecurity, and record-keeping. It started in the 1930s to control Pullorum Disease and Fowl Typhoid. Today, NPIP also covers Avian Influenza, Mycoplasma, Salmonella enteritidis, and other poultry diseases.
Who benefits from NPIP?
NPIP certification shows that your flock meets national health standards and is regularly tested for key diseases. This matters if you sell or ship birds, take them to fairs or shows, or simply want tools to keep your flock healthy. Participation includes routine testing, good records, and basic biosecurity practices.
Who is NPIP for?
1. Selling or Shipping Birds or Hatching Eggs Across State Lines
Interstate movement requires Pullorum–Typhoid (P-T) testing and official movement paperwork. NPIP simplifies this by including testing and offering a VS 9-3 movement form that replaces the need for a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).
2. Exhibition or Show Birds
Many shows and fairs, especially those outside your home state, require proof of a recent negative Pullorum–Typhoid (P-T) test. NPIP certification meets this requirement because flocks in the program are tested regularly.
3. Selling to Other NPIP Flocks
Certification ensures compatibility with other NPIP-certified buyers, who trust your flock meets the same health standards.
What disease monitoring programs are a part of NPIP?
NPIP was initiated to decrease the spread of Pullorum Disease, caused by Salmonella pullorum. NPIP was later extended to include testing and monitoring for other poultry diseases. The program currently offers testing and monitoring for:
- Salmonella pullorum (Causative agent of Pullorum disease)
- Salmonella gallinarum (Causative agent of Fowl Typhoid)
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum
- Mycoplasma synoviae
- Mycoplasma meleagridis (for turkeys)
- Avian Influenza
What’s involved in joining NPIP?
While each state manages its own program, most NPIP participants can expect:
- Annual site inspection – A state inspector or approved agent visits your flock to assess biosecurity, sanitation and records.
- Disease testing – Pullorum–Typhoid (P-T) testing is required for all flocks. Other testing may apply depending on the NPIP programs you enroll in (for example, Avian Influenza is voluntary in many states).
- Record keeping – Participants must keep flock records and paperwork (such as VS 9-3 forms) for several years.
- Possible testing fees – Some states cover costs, others charge testing or enrollment fees.
