News

Increased record requirements for poultry purchases

Indiana’s Board of Animal Health says the recent discovery of avian influenza in southwest Indiana reinforces the need for increased recordkeeping requirements.  The new requirements for Hoosier poultry owners buying and selling birds were adopted last October.

Under the new law, all sellers and buyers of poultry in the state must maintain records of flock additions and removals for three years.  The records also must include: names and addresses of the buyer and seller; sell date; breed; sex; number of animals; and reason for movement.

State veterinarian Dr. Bret Marsh says, “With a disease event of this magnitude the Board of Animal Health needs the ability to trace bird movements to ensure the disease has not spread.”  He say for birds purchased from out of state sources – all poultry entering Indiana must have either a certificate of veterinary inspection or a National Poultry Improvement Plan form.

Indiana’s Animal Disease Traceability rule applies to all retail, swap meet, flea market, auction, and private sales (including barters or trades).