Introduction

The National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) is an industry, state, and federal partnership that has long played a central role in bettering the health of US poultry and improving the competitiveness of the US poultry and egg industries.^[1] The objective of this communication is to report the findings of a case study of the NPIP undertaken in 2018. The primary aims of the study included:

1. seeking a more in-depth understanding of the NPIP,
2. clarifying how NPIP differs from and complements the Secure Food Supply Plans for the US poultry and egg industries, and
3. assessing the needs and potential applications for establishing a similar program for the US pork industry (e.g., “US Swine Health Improvement Plan”).

Over the course of this study, it became apparent that—with the exception of those working inside the US poultry and egg industries, USDA APHIS (Avian Health Program), and state animal health officials—most animal agriculturalists and animal health specialists in the US know little about the NPIP. Herein, we provide a summary of findings, thoughts, and considerations for US pork industry stakeholders. Our hope is that this case study report can serve as a foundation for learned dialogue on this topic and question raised (i.e., Is it time for an NPIP like program for the US pork industry?) amongst US pork industry stakeholders.