The National Scrapie Eradication Program

The National Scrapie Eradication Program is mandatory, but participants do not need to have both a Scrapie number and a National Premises number, unless you plan to purchase microchips, then you will need to have a Scrapie number from USDA and the Premises ID from Oregon Department of Agriculture. USDA will link the two numbers in the Scrapie database, then you are free to purchase microchips.

To request a Scrapie Number  – Dr. Leonard Eldridge at 360.753.9430 or Leonard.E.Eldridge@usda.gov  

For National Premises ID – Oregon Department of Agriculture 503.986.4680.

All sheep must be tagged when leaving the premises or if sold to another owner. ONLY sheep under 18 months of age and in slaughter channels are exempt from tagging requirements.

If you are already in the scrapie program and need more tags, you will need to purchase them from one of the following companies.

Allflex USA

Premier 1 Supplies

Shearwell Data USA

Since slaughter surveillance started in 2003, the percent of cull sheep found positive at slaughter (once adjusted for face color) has decreased 99 percent. However, in order to declare the U.S. “scrapie free”, we must be able to prove to the world we have conducted testing in all sheep and goat populations. This is why submission of samples from sheep/goats over 18 months of age found dead or euthanized on your farm is extremely important. Without your help, we will not be able to declare the U.S. free of scrapie, costing the sheep and goat industries approximately $10 to $20 million, annually.

Recordkeeping Requirements:

Certain information must be retained for 5 years after the animal is sold or disposed of. Information to be retained includes:

  • Official Identification number
  • Date official ID was applied
  • Breed, sex, age of animal
  • Year of birth or date the animal was acquired
  • Name and address of previous owner (if applicable)
  • Date sold
  • Name and address of buyer

More Information:

OSGA offers a 10-minute overview of the scrapie eradication program below. The video is a good introduction for new producers, 4-H /FFA members, or as a quick review of the basic requirements of the tagging program and the responsibilities of every producer.

 

 

The American Sheep Industry Association offers a more extensive one-hour educational program explaining the National Eradication Program at sheepusa.org/ResearchEducation_OnlineEducation_Scrapie.