What is NPIP and Why Does it Matter When Buying Chicks?

When ordering poultry, receiving healthy birds is of utmost importance. One way Meyer Hatchery is committed to providing poultry of the best health and quality is by voluntarily participating in the National Poultry Improvement Plan, aka NPIP. Our NPIP number is 31-184, and our status is U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean with added classification — H5/H7 AI Clean and Salmonella Monitored. This means our breeding flock is regularly tested for diseases and closely monitored to ensure they are in optimal health. All of these things mean you can expect healthy poultry from Meyer Hatchery!

The National Poultry Improvement Plan is a voluntary State-Federal cooperative testing and certification program for poultry breeding flocks, baby chicks, poults, hatching eggs, hatcheries, and dealers. It was developed in the early 1930s to address Pullorum Disease and Fowl Typhoid. In those years, up to 80% of baby poultry died from it. Pullorum-Typhoid is a highly contagious disease caused by a Salmonella species that infects chickens, turkeys, and other types of poultry. Thanks to participation in the NPIP, Pullorum Disease and Fowl Typhoid have been eradicated in the US. 

At Meyer Hatchery, we adhere to strict biosecurity standards. Here are some of our practices;

Breeder Barns

• Each barn staff member has multiple pairs of boots; each pair has a designated barn, and that pair does not leave its assigned building to help prevent cross-contamination.
• Sanitizing footbaths are located inside the entrance of each breeder barn.
• Access is limited to only essential personnel.
• Visitors are required to complete a log stating the reason for the visit.
• Delivery vehicles coming on-site complete a vehicle sanitation process.

Chick Hatchery

• Hatching eggs brought over from the breeder barns are sanitized before setting.
• After each hatch day, hatching rooms and all equipment are sanitized.
• Salmonella testing is conducted monthly. Meyer Hatchery is NPIP Salmonella clean and monitored.
• High-contact surfaces are cleaned and sanitized regularly.

Another thing to take into consideration when purchasing chicks is whether you are going to be doing any showing of your poultry. Most fairs, poultry shows, etc, require an NPIP certificate if you are going to enter any of your birds. This means you must purchase from a facility that is NPIP-certified.   

Purchasing your chicks from an NPIP-certified facility is one way you can not just ensure healthy birds, but you can also personally help stop the spread of disease! What an easy way to do your part in preventing illness! Give us a call or visit our website to order your chicks today!