The threat of disease, especially H5/N7 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, is something the industry must be concerned about on a daily basis. Recent changes have occurred to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements for indemnity payment eligibility. Effective immediately, National Poultry Improvement Program (NPIP) compliance will be paramount to being eligible to receive indemnity funding if a flock is required to depopulate at USDA’s direction.
If you raise more than 75,000 layers a year, 100,000 broilers, 30,000 turkeys, or 25,000 waterfowl, upland game birds, or birds raised for release, you are required to follow the guidelines of the NPIP in order to be eligible for indemnity. Farms with less than this threshold are still eligible for indemnity but are not required to follow the guidelines of NPIP at this time. However, it is good management to have a plan in place.
NPIP has recently updated standards to include 14 “Biosecurity Principles” that are required to be the basis of a poultry farm’s biosecurity plan. Should you be required to depopulate your flock at the direction of USDA, a biosecurity plan must be readily available on-farm and fully implemented in order to be eligible to receive an indemnity payment. Verification of compliance with the biosecurity principles will be the responsibility of the PA Department of Ag (PDA).
An outline of the 14 NPIP “Biosecurity Principles,” as well as a draft of the PDA NPIP Flock Inspection Form is available for review. NPIP Inspection Form Draft Note: This form is in development and is subject to change.
Questions regarding this information should be referred to:
Nan Hanshaw, DVM, DACVPM
Chief, Animal Health Division PA Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Animal Health
2301 N Cameron St
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: 717.783.6677 / Fax: 717.787.1868
We value your business and want to make sure that you are aware and prepared should the need arise.