SC Small Flock Certification Program

Clemson University Extension Service, CU Livestock Poultry Health Division and the SC
Department of Agriculture have developed the Small Flock Certification Program, designed
to educate flock owners on poultry diseases, biosecurity, management practices and to bring
small poultry flocks into compliance with the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP).
This program is a component of the SC Ag-Watch Program (www.SCAgWatch.com), since
emergency type poultry diseases like Avian Influenza and Exotic Newcastle Disease can
cause severe economic impacts to both small and commercial flocks. Preventing disease
infestations in all flocks is essential. In addition, following the Small Flock Certification
Program provides small flock owners with better quality poultry through education and
disease monitoring.


Small Flock Certification minimum requirements:

  • Small flock owners must attend the 1-day SC Small Flock Certification Course.
  • Breeder flocks are certified as NPIP Pullorum/Typhoid Clean Flock; or all poultry are received from NPIP Pullorum/Typhoid Clean breeders for farms containing no breeder birds, such as free-range, game birds, etc. Flock owners can become NPIP Authorized Testing Agents during this course in order to Pullorum test their flock.
  • Pass a farm NPIP and biosecurity inspection to assure that the flock owner is adhering to the criteria endorsed in the educational workshops.
  • Farm premises registration with SC National Animal Identification System program.
  • Membership of a state or national poultry organization. The purpose of membership in a recognized poultry organization is not only to strengthen these organizations, but to increase the quality of birds, management practices and to help in the dissemination of education programs.

Avian Influenza testing is an additional option as part of the SFC-AI Tested Flock program.

The 1-day workshop for the NPIP tester’s course and to learn poultry management concepts
and principles is offered 1-2 times a year in Columbia and Clemson, SC. Topics for the
educational programs include: NPIP Certification & NPIP Tester’s Course; Poultry
Anatomy/Physiology, Diseases & Parasites; Necropsy and Pathology; Nutrition Basics;
Biosecurity; and Pest and Rodent Control.

Nominal fees will be charged to cover costs of the workshops, certification and inspection.
All flock owners are encouraged to attend the course. However, only SC residents, 18 years
or older, are eligible to become SC NPIP Authorized Testing Agents.

Upcoming Workshops


For more information: Dr. Michelle Hall at 864-656-4022 (mahall@clemson.edu)
Dr. Julie Helm at 803-788-2260 (jhelm@clemson.edu).