Feds Polish Up National Plan for Healthier Chickens
Published Date: 8/5/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
We are proposing to amend the regulations governing the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). These amendments would, among other things, clarify existing provisions of the regulations, fix editorial errors, and align the regulations more closely with current producer practices. These proposed changes were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the NPIP's 2024 National Plan Conference.
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 10 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Easier Import Path for Foreign Flocks
The rule would allow products from non‑participant flocks located outside the U.S. to be imported into participant hatcheries without the usual Sec. 145.4(d) conditions if freedom from Plan diseases is shown via APHIS import certificates (9 CFR 93.205), inspection at port (9 CFR 93.207), and, where needed, additional testing or laboratory evidence (at least two listed lab conditions).
Imported Eggs Exception for Participants
Sec. 145.5(a) is revised so participating flocks do not have to be separated from nonparticipants if eggs imported from another country come from flocks certified and tested free of Plan diseases or considered equivalent by the Official State Agency with APHIS concurrence under Sec. 145.4(f).
Simplified Newcastle Disease Clean Rules
The Newcastle Disease Clean program is revised to apply to the primary breeding-hatchery industry only, to focus on prevention and control of virulent Newcastle disease, and to limit use as an added assurance to participants enrolled in and in good standing with the U.S. H5/H7 Avian Influenza Clean Compartment program. APHIS proposes removing the vaccinated/unvaccinated distinctions.
State Surveillance Option for Exhibitions
For Pullorum-Typhoid clean status, birds going to public exhibition may come from a State-approved surveillance program instead of requiring each bird to come from a Pullorum-Typhoid Clean flock or have a negative test. The rule retains the option of negative testing within 90 days of exhibition or sourcing from Pullorum-Typhoid Clean or equivalent flocks.
Remote Inspections Allowed by Rule
The rule adds a definition for "remote inspection" allowing real-time audio/video inspections by an Official State Agent or designee. APHIS says remote inspections provide increased biosecurity and efficiency for facilities and personnel.
Baby Poultry Age Defined (72 Hours)
The definition of "baby poultry" is changed to mean newly hatched birds up to 3 days of age (up to 72 hours). The revision is intended to harmonize NPIP with APHIS import protocols.
State Inspection Language Clarified
Several definitions are revised to replace the phrase "equivalent to Federal inspection" with "at least equal to" Federal inspection to align with the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act.
H5/H7 Testing: Remove Antibody Requirement
For H5/H7 Avian Influenza monitored status, the rule removes the specific reference to testing for antibodies (while retaining the existing minimum of 11 birds tested negative), reflecting that modern testing often detects the virus itself rather than antibodies.
Sanitize Definition Adds Virucidal
The definition of "sanitize" is revised to include products and procedures that are virucidal (in addition to germicidal, fungicidal, pseudomonacidal, and tuberculocidal) and retains that products must be EPA‑registered and approved by the Official State Agency with APHIS concurrence.
Program Standards Updated and Versioned
The NPIP Program Standards document would be updated to match these regulatory changes, add compartmentalization definitions and audit checklists, update test-kit names and product numbers, and add footers in PUB.MONTH, YEAR format for version control to aid international trade partners.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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