Poultry Health
Avian Influenza
Avian influenza viruses are highly contagious, extremely variable viruses that are widespread in birds. Wild birds in aquatic habitats are the natural reservoir hosts, but domesticated poultry are readily infected. Most viruses cause only mild disease in poultry and are called low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses can develop from certain LPAI viruses, usually while they are circulating in avian populations. HPAI viruses can cause 90-100% mortality in infected flocks, and cause epidemics that may spread rapidly, devastate the poultry industry and result in severe trade restrictions. Trade restrictions also result from infection of poultry with LPAI viruses. Avian influenza viruses occasionally affect mammals, including humans, usually after close contact with infected poultry.
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National Poultry Improvement Plan
The National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) is a cooperative Federal-State-Industry program established in 1935 to eradicate Pullorum-Typhoid Disease. Since its inception the program has expanded to incorporate new diagnostic technology and effectively improve poultry and poultry products throughout the country. As a result, many egg-transmitted, hatchery-disseminated poultry diseases have been eradicated or controlled.
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Pullorum-Typhoid Disease
Pullorum-Typhoid (P-T) is a disease caused by a Salmonella species that infects chickens, turkeys, and other types of poultry. It is egg-transmitted and can produce high death loss in hatchlings and young birds. Birds that survive a P-T infection are usually carriers for life and source of the disease for other birds.
More InformationAuthorized Poultry Testing Agents
Samples collected to meet test requirements for State or National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) programs must be collected by individuals trained and certified as authorized poultry testing agents (APTA) or licensed and accredited veterinarians. APTAs are individuals who have been trained by the AIB to test poultry for Pullorum-Typhoid (P-T) using the rapid whole blood test. Testing agents have also been trained to collect samples for other poultry program disease testing.
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