Which birds are AI clean or H5/H7 AI clean as part of NPIP?

• A. All poultry
• B. Breeder flocks — tested monthly
• C. Only meat-type birds
• D. Only egg-laying flocks

Answer: (B)

AI clean or H5/H7 AI clean status in NPIP is focused on breeder flocks because these breeding birds are the source of chicks and pullets for the industry, so keeping them free of avian influenza helps prevent wide-spread infection down the line. An AI clean status means the flock tests negative for avian influenza in general, while H5/H7 AI clean specifically means negative for those highly pathogenic subtypes. Because breeders can pass infection to many offspring and hatcheries, monitoring them closely is essential, which is why monthly testing is required to maintain the certification. Other types of birds, like meat-type or egg-laying flocks, aren’t the target for AI clean certification in the same way; the breeder stock is the key element NPIP aims to protect.