The National Poultry Improvement Plan

What it is

The National Poultry Improvement Plan is a voluntary cooperative program between the federal government, state governments and the poultry industry. It began in 1935 to stamp out pullorum disease, a serious infection of chicks, and it now covers other diseases too, including avian influenza, fowl typhoid, and several Mycoplasma and Salmonella strains. In practice it works as a testing and certification system for breeding flocks, hatcheries, chicks and hatching eggs.

The key phrase is U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean. It is the baseline status a flock must reach to take part, and many states only allow poultry shipments into the state if they carry it.

Why you might care

Buying birds. Because many states restrict incoming poultry unless it is certified, hatcheries that ship across state lines generally take part in NPIP. University extension advice for new keepers is to buy chicks or eggs from reputable sources and look for NPIP certification or disease testing, because it lowers your chance of bringing in disease.

Selling or moving birds. Some states make NPIP participation, or an approved program, a condition of selling or transporting hatching eggs and live poultry. Illinois is one example: with exceptions such as birds going straight to slaughter, poultry and hatching eggs there may not be bought, sold or transported unless the flock participates in NPIP or an approved program. Check your own state, because the rules differ.

Showing birds. Fairs and shows can have their own testing rules. Ask the organizer before you enter birds.

Can a backyard flock join?

Yes, in many states. The federal rules include a track for backyard, exhibition and game bird flocks, usually called Subpart E, and some states run it for small flocks. Size limits vary by state. Illinois, for instance, says NPIP includes hobbyist facilities as well as commercial ones.

Joining is handled by your state's official NPIP agency, usually the state department of agriculture. The Illinois process is a good picture of what to expect: a certified tester checks all adult birds (4 months and older, up to 300) for pullorum-typhoid, an official completes a flock agreement, and the state issues a flock number. Members then re-test part of the flock every year, and flocks that skip it can be removed. Fees and testing rules vary, so contact your state agency for its version.

How to find out where you stand

1. Search for "[your state] NPIP official state agency" and open the state department of agriculture page.
2. Read the section for backyard or small flocks (often called Subpart E).
3. Ask whether your state requires NPIP or testing to sell birds or hatching eggs, or to show birds at fairs.
4. If you plan to sell chicks or hatching eggs, ask about enrollment and testers before you hatch anything.

Related: bird flu, local rules, and our guide to chicks, pullets or hatching eggs.

Quick answers

Sources

• USDA APHIS: National Poultry Improvement Plan (NVAP reference guide)
• USDA APHIS: USDA finalizes updates to NPIP regulations (Sept. 29, 2025)
• Illinois Department of Agriculture: NPIP
• Arkansas Department of Agriculture: NPIP
• University of Maryland Extension: Backyard Layer Flock Economics (bird sourcing)