Beginning November 2001, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires that certain classes of sheep and goats have premise identification ear tags applied BEFORE they are moved from their farm to be sold in interstate commerce OR commingled with sheep and goats from any other farms. Compliance action in Texas will not be taken until April 1, 2002.

Identification requirements extend to:

NOTE: Identification for goats: Tattoos may be used to identify registered or meat and dairy show goats, as long as the animals are accompanied by their registration papers. A PREMISE identification number should be obtained and the ear tags should be applied to animals being culled or animals no longer accompanied by registration papers.

Aside from the time it takes to attach the earwig prior to loading sheep and goats for shipment, there is no cost if you use the white metal or white plastic tags provided through the state-federal program. In meetings with industry representatives, a preference for a PREMISE identification system was expressed. Therefore, owners will be assigned a unique, permanent PREMISE identification number. Supplies of ear tags will carry this number, and a sequential number on the reverse side, which owners may use in maintaining individual animal records.

A free pair of tag pliers will be provided with the first shipment of tags. To get your PREMISE identification number and order free tags, call the toll-free designated toll-free "tag line" at (866) 873-2824. Tags are shipped by UPS, so be prepared to provide a physical shipping address.

Identified sheep and goats may carry several ear tags, depending on how many premises or flocks from which they have been moved or sold. Tags are to accurately reflect the premises on which the animals have been commingled with other sheep or goats.

Federal regulations require that records on purchases and sales be maintained for five years for disease investigation purposes. To comply with record keeping requirements when selling sheep and goats at the livestock market, have your premise identification number recorded on the market check-in document.

In l947, Scrapie, a fatal degenerative brain disease affecting sheep and goats, was accidentally introduced into the U.S.

Although older animals can be exposed and become infected, lambs and kids are most susceptible to the disease. Usually, lambs and kids are exposed to Scrapie through fluids and tissues associated with birthing,

Scrapie develops slowly, and infected animals usually don't show signs of the disease — including weight loss, tremors, loss of coordination, swaying, or wool pulling — until they are 18 months of age or older. Infected dams may shed the infectious agent, or prion, during lambing without showing clinical signs of disease.

Animal industries in today's global marketplace must conduct adequate disease surveillance and provide accurate information on disease prevalence and eradication to maintain trade opportunities for live animals and animal products, such as breeding stock, semen and embryos.

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), in l998, identified Scrapie as an important trade issue, estimating the industry loses more than $20 million each year in lost export sales, extra disposal costs for dead sheep and offal, and lost productivity. In the settlement of an ASI-filed trade action suit, federal funds were committed to support a national Scrapie eradication program.

Eradicating the disease will heighten the industry's credibility and reputation for supplying wholesome and healthy animals and products. By 2010, U.S. animal health officials and sheep industry leaders say Scrapie can be eliminated. By 2017, the U.S. goal is to be declared officially Scrapie-free by international standards.

Historically, black-faced or black-faced crossbred sheep have been stricken with Scrapie most often. For international trade purposes, the livestock industry must prove that other sheep breeds, and goats, are not affected.

Slaughter surveillance for Scrapie in sheep will begin soon, as a disease detection tool. For the first time, this will allow the industry to know the incidence of this disease.

Based on the exposure risk, owner's needs, and applicable regulations, a state or federal regulatory veterinarian will develop a clean-up and monitoring plan for diseased and exposed flocks. This may include a combination of partial depopulation and movement restrictions to prevent potential disease spread.

The use of pilot projects will provide more options to producers for the elimination of Scrapie, while retaining valuable genetics.

A federal indemnity payment based on fair market value will be available. A premium will be paid for registered animals based on their age.