NPIP Testing Services
Off The Rails Homestead is proud to serve as a South Carolina National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) Authorized Testing Agent – right here in your community.
All Flock Sizes
Backyard flocks to small farms
Locally Operated
Sumter, South Carolina based agent
USDA Backed
Federal & state certification
By Appointment
Flexible scheduling available
What is NPIP?
The National Poultry Improvement Plan — and why it matters for your birds.
The National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) is a cooperative federal-state-industry program designed to use diagnostic techniques to reduce the incidence of disease in poultry flocks and their products. Administered by the USDA, NPIP certification is recognized across all 50 states.
For poultry owners, NPIP certification is essential if you want to sell, trade, ship, or transport birds across state lines — and it’s increasingly required at poultry shows, swaps, and auctions right here in South Carolina.
** SC requires National Poultry Improvement Plan certification to legally sell or transport poultry and hatching eggs across state lines. Testing your flock protects your birds, your buyers, and your neighbors.
Our testing services
We test for the diseases required under the National Poultry Improvement Plan program, including the most common tests needed for certification and interstate movement.
Pullorum-Typhoid (PT) testing
The most commonly required NPIP test. Screens for Salmonella Pullorum and Salmonella Gallinarum — required for most interstate movement and shows.
Avian Influenza (AI) testing
Lab-processed swab test for Avian Influenza. Required by many states and events, and critical for protecting your flock and region.
NPIP flock enrollment
New to NPIP? We can help walk you through enrolling your flock in the South Carolina NPIP program for the first time.
Documentation & records
We provide official test documentation you can use for shows, sales, auctions, and state-to-state transport of birds and hatching eggs.
Who needs NPIP testing?
If any of these describe you, it’s time to get your flock tested.
Selling chicks, pullets, or adult birds
Shipping or transporting hatching eggs
Attending poultry shows or swaps.
Participating in poultry auctions
Moving birds across state lines
Starting a small breeding program
Adding new birds to an existing flock
Peace of mind for your backyard flock
How it works.
Simple, low-stress, and done right at your place.
Contact Us
Step 1.
Reach out via our contact form or email to tell us about your flock size and testing needs.
Schedule a visit
Step 2.
We’ll get you on the calendar at a time that works for you. Testing is quick and birds are back in their pen same day.
Testing day
Step 3.
We perform the blood draw and rapid testing on-site. Results are typically available the same day.
Receive paperwork
Step 4.
You receive your official NPIP test documentation to use for travel, sales, and events.
Common questions
Everything you need to know before booking.
Does my whole flock need to be tested?
For flock certification, yes — all birds in the flock must be tested. For individual birds being sold or transported, testing of those specific birds may be sufficient depending on the requirement. Contact us and we’ll help you figure out what’s needed.
What species can be tested?
Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and other domestic poultry. Contact us if you have an unusual or mixed flock and we’ll let you know what applies.
How long does testing take?
It depends on flock size, but most backyard flocks can be tested in a few hours. Larger flocks take longer — we’ll give you an estimate when you schedule.
How often do I need to test?
NPIP certification must be renewed annually. We recommend putting it on your calendar each year and contacting us a few weeks before your certification expires.
Do you come to us, or do we come to you?
We come to your location. No need for you to pack up your birds.
Who maintains the NPIP program?
More information about the National Poultry Improvement Program can be found at https://www.poultryimprovement.org
Ready to get your flock NPIP certified?
We’re taking appointments now. Reach out today and we’ll get you on the schedule — spots fill up fast, especially before show season.