Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Montpelier, Vt – Effective July 15, 2007 a new rule requiring the identification of sheep and goats when the animals are moved from the farm for sale or exhibition will be in effect in Vermont.

“This rule is in response to the USDA’s request for states to comply with requirements for the USDA’s Accelerated Scrapie Identification Program, said Vermont State Veterinarian Dr. Kerry Rood. “This action allows Vermont to retain its consistent status in the National Scrapie Eradication Program. Failure to do so would affect the ability of Vermont sheep and goat producers to market their animals.”

The identification makes it possible to trace an animal to the farm where it was born, in case scrapie infection is detected later in the animal. Identification, along with accurate record keeping are key elements of the national program to eradicate scrapie.

Scrapie is a degenerative and eventually fatal disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and sometimes goats. It is associated with the presence of an abnormal protein known as a prion. It is among a class of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE), all of which have been linked with this abnormal protein. Although scrapie has never been linked with humans, recent publicity surrounding TSEs, coupled with limited scientific knowledge about these diseases, has heightened public concerns.

Sheep and goat owners may request ID tags from the USDA, free of charge, by calling 1-866-USDATAG or 866-873-2824. These tags are specific to their flocks. Veterinarians can also request tags from the USDA that are specific to their practice.