Poultry Program

Educates producers and consumers about the benefits of local poultry and poultry products.

The Division of Animal Health Poultry Program strives to educate producers and consumers about the benefits of local poultry and poultry products. Massachusetts law (MGL Ch 129 sec 26B) requires that all live poultry or hatching eggs moving within the Commonwealth originate from current certified Salmonella pullorum clean flocks. The testing is free and can be arranged by calling MDAR at 617-626-1795. Other poultry testing available to Massachusetts producers are Avian influenza, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma meleagradis and Salmonella enteritidis. The poultry program provides producers and consumers with educational materials, production support, egg safety information, egg handling recommendations and inspections.

The definition of poultry includes, but is not limited to chickens, guinea fowl, peafowl, pheasants, partridges, quail and turkeys.

Diagnostic Testing and Disease Updates

Diagnostic Testing Information Page 

Diagnostic Testing Services for Salmonella pullorum  and Avian Influenza in poultry and the avian species listed above is available to all residents of the commonwealth who plan to sell, exhibit, or otherwise move birds off of their premises.

REPORT sick or dead birds!

Report Sick or Dead Domestic Poultry  Report Sick or Dead Wild Birds 

Sick or dead domestic poultry (chickens, turkeys, gamebirds, domestic ducks, etc.) should be reported to Department of Agricultural Resources Division of Animal Health at 617-626-1795 or through the Report Sick or Dead Domestic Poultry link (mass.gov/reportpoultry)

Sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Department of Fish and Game Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) using the online form found the Report Sick or Dead Wild Birds link (mass.gov/reportbirds).

Visit USDA’s HPAI Detection Page for information on cases in Wild birds, Domestic Poultry and Mammals

For more information about the Avian Influenza virus 

Protect Your Flock 

Protect your Flock- Biosecurity Information

MDAR’s Poultry Biosecurity available in English, Español, Português, 简体中文, Tiếng Việt, عربي, Kriolu di Cabo Verde, Français, Kreyòl ayisyen, ភាសាខ្មែរ, Русский,

Prevent exposure to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus in your Poultry Flock

Biosecurity Information For

• Commercial Facilities
• Poultry Exhibitors & Exhibitions
• Poultry Transportation
• Live Bird Markets
• Vehicles

• Visit the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Defend the Flock page for information and resources.

Best Management Practices for Poultry  Safe Egg Handling for Backyard Egg Producers  Poultry and Salmonella Information 

Poultry Dealers and Transporter Licenses

Be advised that pursuant to MGL Chapter 94, Section 152A, “No person or business entity shall engage in the business of buying, selling or transporting live poultry unless he shall have first obtained a license therefore from the Division of Animal Health. Such license shall expire on December thirty-first in the year or part thereof in which such license was issued.  Currently there is no fee for this license.

All licensees shall keep and maintain, for a period of one-year records of each transaction as follow:

1. Date of transport;
2. Name of seller & address;
3. Name of Purchaser & address;
4. Total number of birds transported;
5. Species of poultry bought;
6. Species of Poultry sold; and
7. Pullorum Certificate, the number, and the certificate expiration*

*Adult poultry** entering the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must be accompanied by proof of an NPIP approved negative test for salmonella pullorum-typhoid and an NPIP/ VS 9-3 form, issued by the state of origin. Day old chicks and hatching eggs must originate from flocks that are NPIP salmonella pullorum-typhoid negative and be accompanied by an NPIP/ VS 9-3 form issued by the state of origin.

**The definition of “Poultry” in regard to testing requirements includes chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, and gamebirds.

All other avian species require a general health certificate for entry into the commonwealth.

If you have any questions, please call 617-626-1795.

Poultry Dealer Transporter Application