Pullorum Blood-Tester Training & Certification

Michigan obtained U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean status in August 1989. To maintain this status, certain disease requirements must be met and are outlined in the National Poultry Improvement Plan and Auxiliary Provisions. All poultry, except waterfowl, pigeons and doves, shown at public exhibition in Michigan must originate from a U.S. pullorum-typhoid clean flock (NPIP certified) or have a negative official test for Salmonella pullorum-typhoid within 90 days before the exhibition, exposition, or show facility.

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Pullorum Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Salmonella pullorum testing? What is it for?

Salmonella pullorum-typhoid is a poultry disease which can be tested by a rapid blood test on-site. The test is required at all county fairs and exhibitions in Michigan as well as for importation of poultry into Michigan. Some states also require this test for poultry being exported from Michigan to those states.

2. Do I need to be certified to test for this disease?

Yes, for the test to be official, the tester must be certified in Michigan by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

3. What are the requirements to become certified?

Any person over the age of 18 may become certified. Must attend a 4-hour training course and pay a minimal fee. Experience handling poultry is recommended.

4. What does the training involve?

The 4-hour training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on bird handling and testing. The training is held every year in the spring. Instructors include poultry experts from Michigan State University, Michigan Allied Poultry Industries, and veterinarians from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

5. What is the fee associated with certification?

Upon completion of training, a $35 fee is required to receive certification as a Pullorum Blood-Tester in Michigan.

6. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Pullorum Blood-Tester Certifications are 3 year terms. You must test a minimum of 30 birds in your 3-year term in order to qualify for renewal. Proof of testing is accomplished by submitting the appropriate copy of the test charts to the MDARD following any test completed. You will be notified by mail from MDARD in January of the year in which your certification will expire. If you have met the testing requirement of 30 birds, you only need to pay the renewal fee of $30 for another 3-year certification. If you have not tested a minimum of 30 birds over your 3-year certification, you will need to repeat the initial process of becoming a Pullorum Blood-Tester by attending the training again.

7. What equipment and/or supplied will I need for pullorum testing?

You will be given instructions during the training on what supplies and equipment are needed and how to obtain them.

8. What will it cost to be a certified Pullorum Blood-Tester?

1. $30 Certification fee for 3-year certification.
2. You will need to purchase the antigen and testing equipment.
3. State and federal forms are provided free of charge.

9. Will my birds have to be pullorum tested before they are exhibited at a county fair?

Yes, all poultry except waterfowl, pigeons and doves shown at public exhibition in Michigan must be tested at check in, if not before.

10. I hate standing in line. How can I avoid having my birds tested at check in?

To avoid waiting in line, you may have your birds tested at home by a Certified Pullorum Blood-Tester prior to the fair. Once tested, the birds must be kept segregated from any untested birds on the premises until fair time. If the birds come from a National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) certified flock, no additional testing is required to enter the fair.

11. What happens if one of my birds tested positive?

If a bird tests positive, it will need to be re-tested after 10 to 15 minutes with blood from the opposite wing. If the re-test is negative the bird will be considered negative and has met the requirements for exhibition. If the bird again tests positive, the bird or birds from the same flock must be returned to the premises of origin and kept segregated from all other birds. MDARD must be notified, the premises quarantined, and an investigation will follow. The test positive bird or birds will be sent to the MSU Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (DCPAH) laboratory for diagnostic testing.

12. What is the difference between the state forms and the federal NPIP forms?

There are 3 forms with 3 different purposes:
‍
1. STATE form: AI-013-Avian Test Record is a state form used for testing birds for exhibition.
2. FEDERAL form: NPIP VS 9-2 is used for flock certification with the NPIP program
3. FEDERAL form: NPIP VS 9-3 is used for NPIP flocks when shipping hatching eggs, chicks or birds out of state.

13. Do I have to test my birds before I can sell them or move them out of state?

You are not required to have birds tested to sell or move them within the state of Michigan. However, many states outside of Michigan will require birds imported into their state be tested negative for Salmonella pullorum. Always check with the receiving state on their importation requirements prior to movement.

14. Who can I contact when I have questions or need more supplies?

For AI-013 forms contact:
Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development
525 W. Allegan St.
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
517-284-5685 (office)
MDARD-Pullorum-Testers@michigan.gov

For NPIP forms contact:
Michigan Allied Poultry Industries
517-372-5250
info@mipoultry.com

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