History and Management of the 
National Poultry Improvement Plan 
The National Poultry Improvement Plan became operational on July 1, 1935, and the 
National Turkey Improvement Plan was activated on September 25, 1943, with the 
approval of the Secretary of Agriculture. On December 3, 1971, the two Plans were 
combined under one title, “The National Poultry Improvement Plan,” with separate 
provisions applicable to the different types of poultry. 
The Plan is implemented by State authorities in cooperation with the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture (USDA) in administering regulations for the improvement of poultry, 
poultry products, and hatcheries. Authority for the administration of the Plan is now 
contained in the Department of Agriculture Organic Act of 1944, as amended 
(7 U.S.C. 429). 
Provisions of the Plan are changed from time to time to conform with the development 
of the industry and with new information as it becomes available. These changes are 
based on recommendations made at the biennial national Plan conferences by official 
delegates representing participating breeders, hatcheries, and flock owners from all 
cooperating States. Current provisions of the Plan are contained in a publication 
entitled “The National Poultry Improvement Plan and Auxiliary Provisions.” This 
publication (APHIS 91—55—054) is available from Official State Agencies or on request 
to the National Poultry Improvement Plan, USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services, 1498 Klondike Road, Suite 200, 
Conyers, GA 30094. 
National Poultry Improvement Plan 
U.S. Pullorum—Typhoid Clean States 
0/0 Qualifying date 
MMM Classified for turkeys only 
["=] Classified for all poultry February 2001 
