Scrapie Tags

     Scrapie Identification Tags are part of the National Scapie Eradication Program. These tags are used to track and home in on a location of a flock of origin if Scrapie is found in any sheep or goats. The tags are connected to a Premise Identification or an address of the person who the tags are issued the tags.

     The tags are considered a permanent ID and should not be removed. If a sheep or goat loses its Scrapie tag, a replacement tag can be put in. Records of the animal an its tag numbers must be kept for at least 5 years. If a tag is lost and replaced, a record of the old and new tag needs to be in those records.

     Animals that must have a Scrapie tag include all "sexually intact" animals. This means ewes, does, rams and bucks. Wethers (sheep or goat) under the age of 18 months are not required to have one since they have been castrated. Once they have reached 18 months of age or older, they are then required to have a Scrapie tag. There are a few exceptions such as registered goats with permanent identification tattoos may not need Scrapie tags.

     Youth sheep and goat projects are also subject to the Scrapie identification rules. As a youth you are either buying your animal from a breeder or sale, or you are raising your own. Youth who buy their project animals need to be mindful and make sure Scrapie tags are in any ewes or doe they take home. This tag number should then be recorded in their 4-H or FFA record book. If you get home and notice the animal doesn't have a tag, contact the sale or breeder and request they send you one to put in.

     Youth who are breeding their own sheep and goats should also be using Scrapie tags. The first step is to contact your state veterinary office and request the Scrapie tags. Youth will be assigned a flock number and tags will be sent to be put in your animals. All "sexually intact" animals (ewes, does, rams and bucks) will need to have tags. Wethers under 18 months of age do not, need tags, but if an old wether is hanging around and he is over 18 months, he will need a Scrapie tag. Youth need to make sure any ewe lambs and doe kids they sell or are taking to a show have their Scrapie tags in.

     Scrapies eradication is a national effort. I hope this explanation is simple enough to help youth understand what and why they need to have Scrapie tags. Youth need to be mindful of their responsibilities in this effort. If you have any questions, contact your state veterinarian office.

     Here are some resources on Scrapies:

• "General Scrapie Information" and  "Scrapie Surveillance: Tagging Sheep and Goats" - Colorado Department of Agriculture
• "Sheep & Goat Official Identification Decision Tree" - USDA APHIS

Scott Stinnett
Area Extension Agent
Kit Carson County
Golden Plains Area
Colorado State University Extension