TVMDL is changing the way it administers the Texas Pullorum-Typhoid Program.
The Pullorum-Typhoid (PT) Program requires that all domestic poultry (chicken, guinea, pheasant, quail, peafowl and turkey) offered for sale, trade, or used to produce offspring for sale or trade must be tested for pullorum and typhoid and found to be free of infection. In addition, the program requires all poultry going to public exhibition or public sale to be found free of infection or originate from a certified clean flock. TVMDL is the recordkeeping authority for this program in Texas.
Effective September 1, 2017, TVMDL will no longer be able to provide field personnel to perform onsite pullorum-typhoid testing. TVMDL will move to a new program structure wherein private individuals will be trained and authorized to perform this testing. This model is used in multiple other states who have had great success in maintaining their pullorum-typhoid free status.
TVMDL will provide training programs for private individuals to become Authorized Testing Agents for the PT Program. Authorized Testing Agents will be able to test not only their own flock, but also birds from other flocks, locations, shows, and sales. All negative test results must be reported to the TVMDL Pullorum-Typhoid Office within 10 days of testing. Any positive results must be reported within 24 hours. TVMDL will continue to maintain records for the program and will maintain an online list of Authorized Testing Agents and their contact information for poultry owners.
Training for Authorized Testing Agents will consist of classroom lecture as well as hands on training with sampling birds and testing samples. Those completing the program will become Authorized Testing Agents for three years and must file an agreement with the TVMDL PT Office annually.
FAQ for Bird Owners
Will testing continue to be free?
It will be up to each private, Authorized Testing Agent to decide what to charge for this service to recoup expenses related to testing (i.e.travel, supplies, training expenses, paperwork processing time).
How do I schedule a test for my birds?
TVMDL maintains maintain a list of Authorized Testing Agents. Owners can contact any Authorized Testing Agent to arrange for testing.
Can I have my local veterinarian perform this testing?
Yes, but your veterinarian must submit results to the TVMDL Pullorum-Typhoid Office within 10 days of testing for negative results, and within 24 hours of testing for positive results.
Can I draw blood from my chickens or turkeys and send it to TVMDL for testing?
Sample collection and testing can only be done by an Authorized Testing Agent or a licensed veterinarian.
What if there are no Authorized Testing Agents in my area?
Email your interest to TVMDL to become an Authorized Testing Agent. TVMDL will notify interested parties of the next training date and location.
For those only showing or selling poultry in Texas, TVMDL recommends owners contact the sale and/or show to inquire if testing will be provided at the door or gate. If you receive testing at a show or sale you will not receive any paperwork for poultry.
What record will I receive from the Authorized Testing Agent?
For annual flock tests, owners will receive a Flock Owner Testing Agreement form from the Authorized Testing Agent. The flock test and form are good for one year from the date of the test. This is the only paperwork required for shows and sales in Texas.
For those only showing or selling poultry in Texas, TVMDL recommends owners contact the sale and/or show to inquire if testing will be provided at the door or gate. If you receive testing at a show or sale you will not receive any paperwork for poultry.
Information is current as of 8/12/17 and from the State of Texas website.
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