Requirements for Going to ?The Show?

Is there anything more fun than taking your animals to a show or fair? You not only get to show off that prize ewe or doe, you get to see all of your friends? best animals, too. It?s a lot of work but it?s worth it, and this year there is one more thing to add to your show ?To Do? list ? make sure you?re in compliance with the new Scrapie Eradication Rules. The bottom line is that exhibitors need to comply with official scrapie identification (ID) regulations.

Before we get into specifics, there is one more thing you need to know: ID requirements can and do vary from show to show and state to state. The rules covered in this brochure are the basic standards outlined by federal regulations. Shows/exhibitions and individual states must meet these federal standards, but they can, and often do, exceed them. So to be safe, always check with your event organizers and/or state animal health officers.

The Basics for Shows and Exhibitions

Q: What categories of sheep and goats REQUIRE official ID at shows/exhibitions?

A: _ All breeding females, i.e. ewes, ewe lambs, does and doelings; _ All breeding rams and bucks.

Q: What categories of sheep and goats DO NOT REQUIRE official scrapie ID for shows/exhibits?

A: Wethers, unless otherwise required by state regulations in the state where the show is taking place or by a specific show?s rules.

Q: Does this mean that official scrapie ID must be in place for all sheep and goats, as outlined in the first question, for all shows?

A: No, shows and exhibitions that are not open to out-of-state exhibitors ARE NOT required to have official scrapie ID. However, the show or state may have such a requirement, so be sure to check the show rules or with the organizers of the event.

Q: When can breed registration tattoos be used in place of official scrapie ID tags?

A: A registration tattoo can be used when the animal is accompanied by its registration paper or a photocopy or a completed application for registration.

Q: Are electronic microchips allowed in goats for exhibition?

A: If your goat breed registry recognizes electronic microchips as an authorized form of ID and the microchip number is recorded on the registration certificate, then electronic ID is acceptable. You must also have your registration certificate (or a copy of it) or a health certificate which includes the microchip number that matches the one on the registration certificate. Further you must take your own reader unless one is provided by the show.

Q: When should sheep and goats be tagged?

A: Any time prior to leaving the farm or ranch.

Q: What about health certificates?

A: Anytime sheep or goats cross state lines, they must be accompanied by a health certificate (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection). Note: Check the show rules; some events require health certificates for all entries.

Q: How do I know if a given show will have entries from other states?

A: Check the shows official rules or ask the show organizers.

Q: Whom do I call to find out what my state requires for official scrapie ID at shows/exhibitions?

A: Contact your local veterinarian. Also, your State Veterinarian?s Office can inform you of ID requirements and movement restrictions. Phone numbers for the 50 State Veterinarian Offices can be obtained at www.animalagriculture.org/scrapie

Q: If I am taking my animals to an out-of-state show, can I assume that I must have official scrapie ID and a health certificate?

A: Yes.

Q: Where can I get official identification tags and/or more information?

A: Simply call 1-866-873-2824. That number will put you in touch with animal health officials in your state who are responsible for the scrapie eradication program.

Q: What if my sheep or goat loses its official ID?

A: Replace it with a new one, and record the new number and flock of birth in your records.

Q: If I sell my sheep or goat at the show, what records am I required to keep?

A: Record the ID of the individual animal(s) sold and the buyer?s name, address and telephone number and retain the records for five years.

Q: Where can I find out more about scrapie and the scrapie eradication program?

A: Contact your local veterinarian or call your State Veterinarian?s Office ? or check out USDA, APHIS Veterinary Services Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/scrapie

Editor?s note: If you have a question about the National Scrapie Eradication program you?d like answered, please e-mail it to Sheep Industry News Editor Laura Gerhard at lgerhard@sheepusa.org, fax it to Gerhard?s attention at (303) 771-8200 or write: ASI; Attn: Laura Gerhard; 6911 S. Yosemite St.; Centennial, CO 80112-1414.

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