Scrapie Information

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.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), National Scrapie Eradication Program, is providing up to 100 plastic flock ID tags free-of-charge, to first time participants in the sheep and goat identification program through fiscal year (FY) 2021 or until the available funds are expended.

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

Regulations

Visit the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP) Page for the latest information on scrapie.

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 Free Flock Certification Program website for details.

FACTSHEET: NSEP ID & RECORDKEEPING

OFFICIAL SHEEP ID INFORMATION

Help Eradicate Scrapie

Educate yourself on the clinical signs of scrapie.
- Visit the USDA Scrapie Disease Information Page.
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 Sample Submission Page for information about Scrapie Testing
Identify your sheep/goats before they the leave your farm.