What is Scrapie?
Scrapie is an incurable, fatal, degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system of sheep and goats. The National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP), coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), has reduced the prevalence of scrapie in adult sheep sampled at slaughter by more than 99 percent.
Federal and state regulations require producers to officially identify their sheep and goats under the NSEP. This includes using official ear tags or implants and maintaining herd records that track animal movement (added or removed from the flock). This page outlines those requirements and provides helpful resources.
How to Get Official USDA Identification for your Flock (Ear tags or Implants):
1. How to Register and Order:
To obtain your Flock ID (Scrapie ID) and NPIN (National Premises ID Number) - please fill out and submit the link below.
Register for Flock ID and NPIN Here
You will receive your Flock ID and NPIN via email. Please allow for 5-7 business days to process your registration.
2. Free Plastic Ear tags for New Participants
First-time participants in the sheep and goat identification program are eligible to receive up to 100 free plastic tags through the NSEP. These tags are provided by the USDA to support new producers in complying with identification requirements and to further national efforts to trace and eliminate the disease.
Eligible producers may request their free tags when you register for a Flock ID. Producers will need to purchase the compatible tag applicator directly from the manufacture. (Shearwell Tag Applicator)
Example of the Free Shearwell Plastic Ear Tags
| 
|
3. Purchasing Tags Directly from Approved USDA Manufacturers
If you are not eligible for free tags, or if you would prefer a specific tag type or color, you may purchase official tags directly from an approved manufacturer. The USDA provides a list of authorized tag manufacturers on their website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-disease/sheep-goat/scrapie-tag
When placing your order, you will be required to provide:
Your Flock ID, and/or
Your National Premises Identification Number (NPIN)
The requirement to provide a Flock ID and/or NPIN depends on the type of tag you choose.
Tag Styles and Options
There are multiple styles of official USDA Scrapie tags available. These include:
- Visual Tags – These tags must be read visually by handlers or inspectors.
- Electronic Tags (RFID) – These tags contain electronic chips that can be scanned to quickly access the animal’s identification data.
While electronic identification is not currently mandatory, its use is strongly encouraged. Electronic tags improve the nation’s ability to quickly trace exposed and diseased animals in the event of a disease outbreak, making them a valuable tool in disease prevention and response.