As a general rule, all
sheep and goats should be tagged with official scrapie identification tags
before leaving the farm. The USDA
provides tags free of charge.
To receive official USDA
sheep and goat ear tags at no charge, call 1-866-USDA-TAG (866-873-2824) or the
USDA veterinary services office in Jefferson City, MO, at 573-636-3116. You also may request a premises (flock or
herd) number ID be assigned to your flock which is required to get the tags. You
may request the number of tags that you
will need for a one year period and a tag applicator. Additional federal
information concerning requirements for scrapie ear tags by clicking here.
If you would prefer to purchase a
different kind of ear tag or device, contact one of the approved tag companies
at the web site above to purchase the ear tags or devices. Approved ear tag
companies offer a wide range of colors and styles. There are restrictions on
the use of implantable and RFID devices.
Missouri also has additional rules
concerning scrapie tags which can be found by clicking here or by calling the Department of Agriculture at
573-751-3377. An exception includes
animals at custom slaughter plants where the meat is used for personal
consumption not needing scrapie tags.
Also, registered animals with visual ID on papers may not require a
scrapie tag for local shows, but it is better to check with the specific
show. It should be noted that sale barns
in Missouri will put in tags if the animals do not have scrapie tags and will
charge $1.50 to $3.00 per animal for tagging, an important consideration since
you can get the tags at no charge from USDA.
(by Jodie Pennington, Lincoln University Extension Small Ruminant Specialist)
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