Scrapie is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) affecting sheep and goats. The presence of classical scrapie in the U.S. sheep and goat population affects industry economically through production losses, lost exports, and increased production and disposal costs. Public health concerns related to the transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) to humans have resulted in efforts to eradicate all TSEs in food-producing animals.
Surveillance for scrapie in the U.S. is conducted through the National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP), a cooperative State-Federal-industry program.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services website contains the latest information on scrapie. Click here for information.
Final Scrapie Rule Effective April 2019 – Click here for details.
Click here for a summary of the final rule.
Help Eradicate Scrapie
- Producer assistance is needed to completely eradicate scrapie from the U.S.
- In order to find the remaining scrapie infected sheep and goats and to demonstrate to the world that the U.S. is scrapie free, we need more sample submissions from mature sheep and goats that die on farm. The only diagnostic tests currently available to determine if a sheep or goat has scrapie require brain or lymphoid tissue. Report mature sheep/goats showing signs of scrapie to USDA/APHIS or your State Veterinarian.
- Participate in USDA/APHIS’ sample submission program. The program is provided at no cost to the producer, and asks that producers submit samples from sheep 18 months of age or older
- Officially identify your sheep/goats before they the leave your farm. For information on ordering official sheep tags click here. To request official sheep tags, a flock or premises ID or both, call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824).
Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program (SFCP) Standards
The SFCP provides producers the opportunity to increase the marketability of their animals through demonstrating scrapie freedom in their flock or herd. Additionally, the SFCP contributes to APHIS’ scrapie surveillance strategy, testing sheep and goats from flocks and herds that otherwise might not be sampled through traditional slaughter surveillance.
- To learn more about the Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program click here.
- Scrapie Flock Certification Program Standards, click here
- Summary of Major Revisions to the Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program Standards, click here
In a cooperative effort between ASI and APHIS a presentation about the Scrapie Eradication Program has been developed for producers (click on the item).
Informational Brochures (click on the item)
- Scrapie Eradication Is In Sight, You Are the Key to Finding the LAST CASES!
- Eradicating Scrapie from the U.S. Flock ~ Regulatory Scrapie Slaughter Surveillance Program
- Scrapie from A to Z ~ Youth Brochure
In a cooperative effort between ASI and APHIS a quarterly newsletter about the Scrapie Eradication Program has been developed for State and Federal partners. This publication updates field staff with information ASI has published throughout that quarter.
- April 2021 Scrapie Eradicate It — ASI, APHIS Preparing for Use of Electronic Identification
- September 2020 Scrapie Eradicate It — NSEP Progress: The 2019 Scrapie Rule at 1 Year
- March 2019 Special Edition Scrapie Eradicate It — New Regulation Improves Scrapie Eradication Program
- March 2019 Scrapie Eradicate It — Scrapie Infected Sheep & Goat Flock in Pennsylvania
- June 2018 Scrapie Eradicate It — New Tool to Protect Goats
- June 2017 Scrapie Eradicate It — Scrapie Submissions Needed
- March 2017 Scrapie Eradicate It — No U.S. Classical Scrapie Cases Since April 2016
- September 2016 Scrapie Eradicate It — SFCP Standards Have Been Updated
- June 2016 Scrapie Eradicate It — Testing, Breeding Important in Fight with Scrapie
- March 2016 Scrapie Eradicate It — Indiana: Ready for Anything
- September 2015 Scrapie Eradicate It — APHIS Proposes Scrapie Regulation Changes
- June 2015 Scrapie Eradicate It — Separate Efforts: Scrapie Eradication & Animal Disease Traceability
- March 2015 Scrapie Eradicate It — Remember to Educate, Report and Submit
- December 2014 Scrapie Eradicate It — APHIS Sheep Priorities Focused on Scrapie
- September 2014 Scrapie Eradicate It — Official ID Tags an Invaluable Tool
- June 2014 Scrapie Eradicate It — Sheep Producers Told Scrapie Eradication Remains Goal
- March 2014 Scrapie Eradicate It — Finding the Remaining Cases
- September 2013 Scrapie Eradicate It — Federal Tagging Requirements
- May 2013 Scrapie Eradicate It — Multi-Pronged Approach to Eradicate Scrapie
- October 2012 Scrapie Eradicate It — How to Eradicate the Remaining Cases
- June 2012 Scrapie Eradicate It — Surveillance in Goats
- September 2011 Scrapie Eradicate It
- June 2011 Scrapie Eradicate It
- March 2011 Scrapie Eradicate It
- December 2010 Scrapie Eradicate It — Infected and Source Flocks New Statuses
- September 2010 Scrapie Eradicate It — Scrapie Eradication Is In Sight Brochure Available
- June 2010 Scrapie Eradicate It — APHIS Changes NOR98-like Scrapie Policy
- March 2010 Scrapie Eradicate It — National Scrapie Eradication Program Makes Significant Progress
- December 2009 Scrapie Eradicate It
- September 2009 Scrapie Eradicate It — It’s Time to Commit: Producers Crucial Part in Scrapie Eradication
- June 2009 Scrapie Eradicate It — Scrapie Chapter Revised at OIE
- March 2009 Scrapie Eradicate It — Scrapie Topics Discussed at ASI Annual Convention
- December 2008 Scrapie Eradicate It — Infected and Source Flocks New Statuses by Year
- September 2008 Scrapie Eradicate It — Brochure for Youth Involvement
- June 2008 Scrapie Eradicate It — Notice the Signs for Eradication
- March 2008 Scrapie Eradicate It — Nor98-Like Scrapie Found in the United States
- December 2007 Scrapie Eradicate It — Changes in Scrapie Program Make it Consistent with OIE
- September 2007 Scrapie Eradicate It — Mid Program Numbers Look Promising
- September 2006 Scrapie Eradicate It — Consistent State Deadline Passes
- June 2006 Scrapie: Eradicate It — Consistent State Status Deadline Quickly Approaching
- March 2006 Scrapie: Eradicate It — Work Needed by Some States to Maintain Consistent State Status