2020 Pullorum Antigen shortage is just about over

[John W Blehm]

Dear Michigan Certified Pullorum Testers,

Due to the shortage of available pullorum antigen in the United States, The State Veterinarian, Dr. Nora Wineland, is removing the requirement for exhibition poultry to be pullorum tested at Michigan fairs and exhibitions for calendar year 2020.  This exemption is for the 2020  calendar year only.   Note: Out-of-state poultry still need to be pullorum tested (or be from NPIP-certified flocks, with a VS 9-3) to enter the state, and must show documentation of this at exhibition.

Attached is an MDARD policy regarding the exemption of Pullorum Testing at Fairs and Exhibitions in Michigan for 2020.

Please feel free to email any questions you may have about this policy to this email address:  MDARD-Pullorum-Testers@michigan.gov.

Thanks,

Dr. Steve Hussey
Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development

Some poultry supply companies are now taking orders for Pullorum antigen and should start shipping in September from what I've read.  These 1,000 dose bottles are close to $200 and have expiration dates of less than two years from now.  Twin City is offering a 300 dose bottle for $100.  This Pullorum/Typhoid testing should have ended decades ago.