The National Scrapie Eradication Program is mandatory and producers are required to have both a Scrapie Flock ID number and the National Premises ID number to order official RFID tags or microchips.

To request a Scrapie Flock ID number, contact Beth Corder with USDA: e-mail Jessica.corderreitz@usda.gov or call 360-810-1687. Additional information from USDA, along with a form that can be e-mailed to Beth is available below.

The Premises ID number may be obtained from Oregon Department of Agriculture by calling: 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, tags may be purchased from one of the following companies:

Allflex USA

Premier 1 Supplies

Shearwell Data USA

Submission of Samples

Oregon is actively trying to collect on-farm samples from any sheep between 18 months and 5years of age that has been found dead or euthanized on the farm. Sampling is performed at no cost.

For more information, contact the Oregon Area Veterinarian in Charge

Vicki Knutson, DVM
USDA-APHIS-VS Field Operations District 3
Cell 503-351-3575 or e-mail: Victoria.L.Knutson@usda.gov

More information available at USDA-APHIS

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.