Flock Health - Raising Poultry - page 379

or would spread the disease to other members of the hatch. In many cases, the majority
of the chicks died and the survivors became carriers that further spread the disease from
farm to farm.
When a blood test was discovered in 1913, breeders could be tested and diseased an-
imals eliminated. Great strides were made toward eradicating the disease. But the dis-
ease still exists, and pullorum could threaten poultry again if raisers fail to continue test-
ing on their birds.
Today, chicks sent through the mail should all come from a tested flock. The advent
of the Internet, unfortunately, has made it easier for less-reputable breeders to sell un-
tested birds at a price that's hard to beat. This has created a bit of a biosecurity nightmare
for those purchasing new birds. A safe, disease-free chick supply is harder to ensure.
To counter this threat, all raisers should insist chicks come from tested breeders that
participate in the NPIP program in their state, recognizing that sellers who bypass this
regulation endanger the industry and the animals. Fees and charges for this program
are minimal and make your operation legitimate should you decide to sell any of your
chicks, adults, or even hatching eggs. .
The NPIP program has expanded since its establishment, and now oversees the regu-
lation of other diseases such as mycoplasmas, avian influenza and forms of salmonella.
Each state has its own operating arm under the supervision of the national organiza-
tion and implements the NPIP rules and program differently. Some states send officials
from the Agriculture Department out to test your birds for pullorum. Others have state-
sponsored training schools for private individuals who want to test their own flocks and
the birds of others. Refer to the box on page 366 for a description of the testing method.
Regardless of how your state implements the testing, it is a worthwhile program to
become involved in if you decide to ship poultry. Those raising just a few birds for their
own use may find that they are not required to participate in their state, while others with
the same small flock in other states may find flock testing mandatory. Check Resources
on page 437 for state contact information.
Vaccine-Free and Antibiotic-Shy
I prefer to limit the use of antibiotics and vaccines and rely on them only as a last resort.
I have experimented with both and have not found the modern medical route to be the
most successful prevention route. I do acknowledge, however, that in some areas of the
country, certain disease conditions are so prevalent that raisers must provide vaccines or
antibiotics or other preventives in the feed.