What is Scrapie?

Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system of sheep and goats. It is classified as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy.

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 is conducted through the National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP), a cooperative State-Federal-industry program, working to eradicate classical scrapie from the U.S and meet World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) criteria for disease freedom.

How to Request Official Sheep Tags?

By Phone

To request official sheep and goat tags, a flock or premises ID, or both, call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824).

Directly From Approved Tag Manufacturers

Producers and others who handle sheep in commerce who need additional tags or want a different type or color of tag may purchase official plastic, metal, or radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags directly from approved tag manufacturers. A flock or premises ID is required to order tags from these sources. A national premises ID is also required to purchase official 840 RFID tags or implantable devices.

Are You New to the Sheep and Goat Identification Program?

The USDA will provide up to 100 plastic flock ID tags free-of-charge to first-time participants (until available funds are expended).

Resources

A Quick Guide to Identifying Sheep Pocket Guide – ENGLISH / SPANISH

Electronic ID

Individual animal identification is important for record keeping and data collection to better manage animal performance and management of animals. Animal ID is the primary element of any livestock traceability system.

Electronic identification (EID) also referred to as Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is becoming increasingly popular for the livestock sector. EID systems use Radio Frequency (RF) technology to read and transmit animal identification numbers wirelessly.

Electronic ID Transition Working Group

Concerned that the USDA will at some future time impose a plan of their own for the sheep industry, in 2020, the ASI Animal Health Committee convened a small working group of diverse and knowledgeable industry representatives and subject matter experts to develop a blueprint for transitioning the sheep industry toward electronic ID.

ASI Video Looks at EID in Auction Markets

As sheep producers research the merits and cost effectiveness of using electronic ID within their own flocks, ASI is looking at the steps necessary to incorporate EID in the nation’s auction markets. Most of the approximately 2,000 auction markets in the U.S. are not currently equipped to use EID on a daily basis.

In 2022, ASI led a pilot program at the Delta (Colo.) Sales Yard to evaluate the feasibility of integrating an EID system for sheep in an auction market setting, as well as what benefits it might provide to federal and state animal health officials, and sheep producers.

Sheep Identification & Animal Disease Traceability Systems Survey

In 2021, ASI conducted an online survey of more than 500 sheep producers to gather information on industry animal ID practices and perceptions regarding a national animal disease traceability system. Read more about the survey in the links below.

• June 2021 – Sheep Identification & Animal Disease Traceability Systems Survey Results
• July 2021 – Producers Weigh-In on ID & Traceability