Scrapie Surveillance: Tagging Sheep and Goats
In an effort to eradicate scrapie in the United States. USDA requires sheep and goats to have flock identification ear tags that list their flock of origin. Enforcement of these rules are now in effect as the tags are readily available to producers.
Animals requiring flock ID tags in their ears.
Do not bring the sheep or goats unless they have tags in their ears—they will be tagged at a charge $3.50 per head.
SHEEP
- All sheep sexually intact regardless of age and wethers; 18 months of age and older upon change of ownership or cull animals 18 months or older.
- All sheep sexually intact regardless of age and wethers; 18 months of age and older for show or exhibition.
- All breeding sheep regardless of age.
GOATS
- All goats sexually intact regardless of age and wethers 18 months of age and older upon change of ownership or cull animals
- Due to scrapie found in goats in Colorado, all commercial goats sexually intact regardless of age and wethers 18 months of age and older not in slaughter channels.
- Note: Coming to CLA is not considered a slaughter channel.
TAGS:
- To obtain tags, owners must contact the APHIS Area Veterinary Services at 303-231-5385 or 866-873-2824 for a flock identification number.
- APHIS will also assist owners in ordering the tags, which are provided at no cost. CLA will also be assigned a flock ID number and will be supplied with white or blue metal tags to identify sheep at a cost of $3.50/head to the seller.
Contact:
U. S. Department of Agriculture
APHIS Area Veterinary Services
303-231-5385 or 866-873-2824
Colorado Department of Agriculture
303-239-4161