BIOSECURITY PROGRAM EVALUATION/AUDIT
The Big Red Biosecurity Program can help poultry producers prepare for the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) Biosecurity Audit. Assistance includes reviewing biosecurity programs to ascertain if there are areas where protection may need to be strengthened.
National Poultry Improvement Plan Background
The NPIP is a voluntary federal program created to control disease in poultry through regular diagnostic testing. The NPIP is administered by the department of agriculture in participating states.
Established in the 1930s to eliminate Pullorum Disease caused by Salmonella pullorum, the NPIP has expanded to include testing and monitoring of other diseases, including Salmonella, Mycoplasma and Avian Influenza. Following outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the U.S. in 2014-2015, the NPIP developed a set of biosecurity measures intended to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases.
NPIP Biosecurity Audit
In case of an HPAI outbreak, poultry producers will need to be participants of the NPIP and have the biosecurity audit completed by the OSA—official state agent—to be eligible for indemnity. In Nebraska, the OSA is the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Audits are completed every two years and verify that owners/operators and employees are doing what you have identified in the biosecurity program you created for your operation.
Biosecurity Program Evaluation/Audit (NPIP Audit Preparation)
We offer a biosecurity program audit/evaluation that may be used to enhance your program or prepare you for an upcoming NPIP audit. A university professional with biosecurity experience will meet with you either in person or electronically to discuss your current biosecurity program. If you do not have a biosecurity program, we can help you develop one. You'll be provided a written report detailing the assessment and providing recommendations, if requested. The assessment is intended to provide additional information; you will decide if impementation is necessary or warranted.
While it isn't required that you complete the core modules before requesting a biosecurity program audit/evaluation, we recommend doing so. In addition, download and familiarize yourself with the following NPIP documents:
- NPIP Program Standard E--Biosecurity Principles
- Biosecurity Audit Guidelines
- Biosecurity Principles Audit Form
Please be prepared to provide in advance a copy of the biosecurity program for your operation.
Registration information
To meet the requirements of the certificate program, you will need to have a one-on-one discussion with a trained representative from the Big Red Biosecurity Program. The discussion may take place in person in Lincoln at the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center on UNL's East Campus or via video chat using Skype or Facetime. Discussions generally take 60-90 minutes and can be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. or on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3 p.m. (If these days/times don't work, please contact the Big Red Biosecurity Program to request other arrangements.)
Registration steps
- Fill out and submit registration form.
- You will be provided a date for the audit.
- Once a date has been selected, you will be asked to pay a $25 fee by check or credit card (payment details will be emailed to you).
- Upon receipt of payment, you will receive a confirmation by email.