Flock Owner Information

Texans own poultry for a variety of reasons. Regardless of why you own birds, it’s important your flock is healthy. Certain flock owners fall under the requirements administered by the Texas Pullorum-Typhoid (PT) Program. This section outlines those requirements. 

Help keep Texas flocks healthy

The PT Program requires all domestic poultry such as chickens, guineas, pheasants, quail, peafowl, turkeys, ratites, waterfowl, and others offered for sale, trade, or used to produce offspring for sale or trade be tested for pullorum and typhoid and be found free of infection. In addition, the PT 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 record-keeping authority for the Program in Texas. 

Do you need a PT test?

Flock owners have several options around the state for accessing PT testing. Flock owners interested in having their birds tested for PT should contact an Authorized Tester, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), or a veterinarian. Please note that Authorized Testers and TAHC inspectors are only certified to test a flock for PT and not other diseases monitored by the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP).

Depending on your flock goals, you may not need a PT test. Take our short questionnaire to learn if you need a test. 

group of women in blue personal protective gowns holding chickens for training

Flock Owner Frequently Asked Questions

Who can test my flock for PT?

In Texas, tests can be performed by Authorized Testers, TAHC inspectors, or veterinarians. Only flock owners in the TAHC’s Domestic and Exotic Fowl Registration Program are eligible for a TAHC inspector to perform testing. 

If flock owners are unable to find an Authorized Tester within their county, they may request testers from surrounding counties. Flock owners selling or showing their birds in Texas may also reach out to the sale or show to inquire about if testing is provided at the event. Please note that flock owners that have birds tested at a sale or show may not receive any paperwork following the test.

How do I schedule a PT test for my flock?

Flock owners must contact an Authorized Tester or TAHC Inspector to test their flock.

Each Authorized Tester can determine the county or counties they serve, and charges associated with their testing service. For more information on finding a tester, visit the Find an Authorized Tester page.

What documents will I receive after a PT test?

Flock owners receiving an annual flock test from either an Authorized Tester or TAHC inspector will receive a Flock Owner Testing Agreement form. The flock test and form are valid for one year from the date of test. The Flock Owner Testing Agreement is the only paperwork required for shows and sales in Texas. 

Please note that flock owners whose birds are tested at sales or shows will not receive any paperwork following their test. 

How long does it take to receive a Flock Owner Testing Agreement?

The Flock Owner Testing Agreement will be sent to the flock owner from the Texas PT Office within 5 business days from when the flock test is submitted by the Authorized Tester or TAHC inspector.

How much does it cost to get my flock tested for PT?

Each Authorized Tester sets their own testing prices. Flock owners in the TAHC’s Domestic and Exotic Fowl Registration Program are eligible to schedule a PT test as part of their annual inspection for a separate cost. 

How old do my birds need to be to get tested for PT?

Poultry over 16 weeks of age or at sexual maturity must be tested for PT. Poultry includes chickens, guineas, pheasants, quail, peafowl, turkeys, and ratites.

I own game birds. What programs should I join and do my birds need to be tested for PT?

Game birds such as quail, pheasant, partridge, and chukars, intended for sale, trade, or used to produce offspring for sale or trade must be tested for PT. Game bird owners are encouraged, but not required, to join the National Poultry Improvement Plan . For more information on the licenses and requirements to own game birds, contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 

Who do I contact to sell yard eggs or infertile eggs?

The Texas Department of State Health Services offers information on the requirements to sell eggs meant for human consumption. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension also offers information on selling eggs in their Selling Yard Eggs publication. 

What do I need to sell or show hatching eggs, chicks, or poultry in Texas?

Flock owners should:

  • Test their flock for PT.
  • Obtain a license from the TAHC’s Domestic and Exotic Fowl Registration Program.
  • Join the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) Program. This is optional, but is beneficial to flock owners shipping hatching eggs, chicks, or birds out of state.

How can I sell meat to the public in Texas?

The Texas Department of State Health Services offers information on the requirements to sell poultry meat to the public. Visit their website to learn more.

Flock Owner Resources

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