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 the 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.
Visit the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Scrapie Website for the latest information on scrapie.
Most sheep and goats moving in commerce must have official scrapie tags.
To purchase official scrapie ear tags, your flock must have a flock ID number. You must provide it to the tag company when you order tags.
Are You New to the Sheep and Goat Identification Program? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide up to 100 plastic flock ID tags free-of-charge to first-time participants (as long as funds last).
Please call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824) to request a flock ID number or to place a first-time tag order.
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. Visit the USDA Scrapie Website for details.
Help Eradicate Scrapie
- Educate yourself on the clinical signs of scrapie.
- Visit the USDA Scrapie Website.
- Contact your State Veterinarian or the USDA Veterinary Services Office for your state if your sheep or goat, older than 12 months, exhibits clinical signs of scrapie. Testing clinical suspects is the most cost effective way to find scrapie infected animals.
- Submit samples or whole heads from sheep and goats over 18 months of age that die or are euthanized on your premises.
- Visit the USDA Scrapie Website for information about Scrapie Testing
- Identify your sheep/goats before they the leave your farm.
ASI Video Looks at the History of Scrapie
Brochures
Scrapie: Eradicate It Quarterly Newsletter
- September 2021 — APHIS Issued Official Scrapie Tag Report in 2021
- August 2021 — U.S. Closing In On Scrapie Freedom
- April 2021 — ASI, APHIS Preparing for Use of Electronic Identification
- September 2020 — NSEP Progress: The 2019 Scrapie Rule at 1 Year
- March 2019 Special Edition — New Regulation Improves Scrapie Eradication Program
- March 2019 — Scrapie Infected Sheep & Goat Flock in Pennsylvania